What other travelers are saying about Meiji Mura Museum
Museum is so large we could have easily spent the whole day there. There are 5 zones and many beautiful architecture and Meiji buildings, each with an educational description of it's uses and relevant histories. A lot of effort was put into the exhibits' details and the write-ups were done very thoughtfully. We were lucky to be there during an anime collaboration with Golden Kamuy, where there was a mystery walk (I.e. cluedo) which helped bring the buildings to life. Only qualm is that all descriptions are in japanese so some things are lost in translation, but pictures and artifacts are good enough to feel the history.
Highly recommended for Japanese history buffs. Transport from the nearest train station is very convenient and accurate. There are plenty of eateries within the museum, though a bit pricier than outside. Parking is available outside the museum. Visitors can also pay for tour pacakges or to dress up in Meiji attire. Be prepared to walk a lot and take lots of nice photos.
The whole site is really well run. The variety of historical architecture is extraordinary. It would take weeks of travel to see this much history. The imperial hotel lobby is the most incredible 3 dimensional space I've ever encountered. I couldn't believe the place was not any more crowded than it was especially given it was a Sunday.
We came to Meij Mura on a beautiful spring day. It is often considered the best architectural museum in Japan. It features buildings from the Meiji area (1868-1912) organized in 5 areas. We started in Area 5 and walked our way back to Area 1. It is huge and you can definitely spend hours here, but if you’re strapped for time our highlights were: the Imperial Hotel, the prison, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, the Kabuki, the Post Office, and the Renga-dori road area. You can purchase tickets for the bus, steam train, and tram that run through the park, but please note the Steam Train only runs on certain days (you can check the schedule on the website). There are restaurants on site but they are of course a little pricey, so some reviews suggest bringing a picnic. We did not know this, but if you visit Inuyama castle first, you can get a combined discount ticket (not available if you visit Meiji Mura first).
If you love architecture, this museum is a must! I dreamed of visiting it for 18 years, and it didn't disappoint! As many, I went just for the FLW Imperial Hotel Lobby, however my experience here made me interested in Meiji era architecture. The smell of wood and the unpretentious authenticity of buildings in a serene nature setting transport you back in time. I can't wait to go back and explore more!
The best architectural museum in Japan. The diversity and maintenance of these history buildings are amazing. This is something that you cannot find in those downtown cities. The value behind it is beyond the ticket price. You may want to reserve at least 4 or 5 hours to really enjoy the place. There's multiple bus rides from Inuyama Station, but please watch out for the last bus on the way back though.
General admission to Museum Meiji-Mura costs ¥2,500 for adults, ¥1,700 for high school students, ¥1,300 for elementary and middle school students, and children under 3 enter free. Additional fees apply for the historic transportation experiences: ¥500 for the steam locomotive, ¥500 for the Kyoto streetcar, and ¥700 for the village bus. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama Station, which takes approximately 25 minutes. At Inuyama Station, transfer to the Gifu Bus bound for Meiji Mura, which takes another 20 minutes. The total journey time is approximately one hour. If driving, the museum is accessible via the Komaki Interchange on the Chuo Expressway, with free parking available on-site.
A thorough visit to Museum Meiji-Mura typically requires 4-6 hours due to the museum's vast 1 million square meter area and 67 historic buildings. The museum is divided into five districts, and visitors often use the vintage transportation to move between sections. Many guests spend a full day exploring the grounds, especially when participating in activities like period costume experiences or dining at historic restaurants.
The museum's crown jewels include 11 designated Important Cultural Properties, such as the facade of Tokyo's original Imperial Hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and Japan's oldest operating steam locomotive. The Kyoto streetcar from 1895 represents Japan's first streetcar system. Don't miss the St. John's Church from Kyoto, various Meiji-era government buildings, and the traditional post office where you can mail letters with special Meiji-era postmarks.
Yes, Museum Meiji-Mura offers several immersive experiences that transport visitors back to the 1868-1912 Meiji period. You can dress in period-authentic Meiji fashion including Western-style dresses and military uniforms, dine on historically accurate cuisine recreated from Meiji-era recipes at the museum's restaurants, and ride the same types of transportation used during that era. The museum also hosts seasonal festivals and cultural demonstrations that showcase Meiji-period customs and traditions.
