When was the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum established?

The museum was established in 1983 by a group of enthusiasts passionate about preserving the heritage of early sound recording technology.

What can visitors expect to see at the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum?

Visitors can explore a vast collection of phonographs, gramophones, records, and other artifacts related to sound recording and playback.

Is photography allowed inside the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the museum for personal use, but it's advisable to respect any restrictions on certain exhibits.

Is the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is equipped with facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.

A large, modern brick building with arched windows and geometric architectural features, including a circular metal structure on the left. A few people walk by on the street in front of the building.

A cozy vintage room with wooden tables and chairs, shelves lined with old-fashioned record players, and a piano. The back wall displays rows of small drawers, possibly for records or music storage.

A wooden bookshelf filled with numerous labeled boxes and cards, organized in rows. Decorative items, framed certificates, and figurines are displayed on top of the shelves.

A vintage gramophone with a large brass horn sits atop an ornate wooden cabinet, displayed behind blue ropes in a museum setting with wood floors and informational panels in the background.

An antique portable gramophone with a hinged lid open, revealing a red felt turntable, a metal tonearm, and needle, displayed on a wooden surface.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Phonograph Museum

4.6 (670)MuseumTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 26, 2026

Kanazawa Phonograph Museum is a unique treasure nestled in the historic city of Kanazawa. This museum offers a nostalgic journey into the world of sound, showcasing a vast collection of over 500 phonographs and 20,000 SP records. Visitors are transported back to the early 20th century, a time when music was a precious commodity, and phonographs were the height of technology.

The museum's highlight is the opportunity for guests to listen to actual photographs, providing an authentic auditory experience that digital technology can't replicate. From Edison's early inventions to intricate gramophones, each piece tells a story of innovation and cultural evolution. The museum also features rare music pieces from around the world, capturing the diverse history of recorded sound.

What makes Kanazawa Phonograph Museum truly special is its commitment to preserving this slice of history. In an era dominated by streaming and digital formats, the museum serves as a reminder of the tactile and mechanical beauty of music playback. Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply curious about historical gadgets, this museum offers an insightful and engaging visit that connects the past with the present.

Hours:

10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Last entry until 5:00 PM)

Closed:

Closed on Tuesdays

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fees:

General: 310 yen

Hours

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone

+81 76-232-3066

Website

www.kanazawa-museum.jp

Overview

Address

2-chōme-11-21 Owarichō, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0902, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Traveler reviews

Amazing place. The staff are super friendly. I got to use an old vinyl player to listen to a song thanks to the help of a friendly staff. I was also very lucky to be there for the demonstration. Ended up spending an hour there in total and I enjoyed every minute of it.

vvn

May 27, 2026

Lovely place for vinyl enthusiasts. If you're lucky enough to join one of the guided demonstrations at 11:00, 14:00, or 16:00, you can hear different gramophones being played — a really special experience. There are also listening stations where you can enjoy vinyl records with headphones. A must-visit for anyone who loves classic audio.

Alex

Dec 12, 2025

There is a great demo (I think three times a day) where you can hear music being played with different record players from centuries ago. Please time your visit so that you can watch this demo from start to finish - it's certainly the highlight. There is also a listening area upstairs where you can fall in love with record players (if, for some reason, you haven't already 😉).

Sai

Dec 25, 2025

We had a lovely experience at this museum! If you are into vinyls or older music or even like tech history, this is a great stop in Kanazawa.

Danielle Tillie

Dec 14, 2025

If you love in Phonograph hier is the place that you can see a lot of them.over 200 old to new model from edison time to Sony .in 2 floor it 2-3 time a day.you can lesseon to the music from old one to new in 30 min show.this place have 3 floor .it take about 1-2 hrs if you intress on it.