Moegi Village Music Box Museum Hall of Halls

The Music Box Museum Hall of Halls stands as the symbol of Moegi Village in Kiyosato, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Located on the Kiyosato Plateau at an elevation of 1,200 meters, this museum preserves and showcases the musical heritage of pre-electronic entertainment. The museum was established as part of Moegi Village, a European-style tourist complex founded in 1977 by president Joji Funaki, who drew inspiration from German architecture and mechanical organs during his European travels.

The museum houses a world-class collection of over 300 antique music boxes and automatic musical instruments dating from the 19th century to the early 20th century. These instruments represent the primary source of musical entertainment before the invention of records and radios. The collection features pieces acquired from France, Germany, and other European countries. Notable highlights include the Limonaire 1900 pipe organ, which was created for the 1900 Paris World's Fair, and the Mozart Barrel Organ, a unique instrument for which Mozart specifically composed music designed for mechanical performance.

Visitors can experience regular musical performances where the museum staff demonstrate various instruments from the collection according to seasonal programs. These concerts typically occur throughout the day, allowing guests to hear century-old music boxes and mechanical organs in operation. The performances showcase the sophisticated engineering and artistic sensibilities of the pre-electronic era. Beyond viewing the exhibits, visitors can browse the museum shop in the basement, which sells antique music boxes, customizable paper music boxes, and DIY music box kits. The museum continues to fulfill its role as both an entertainment venue and an educational institution preserving historical culture for future generations.

Access to the museum is straightforward from Kiyosato Station on the JR Koumi Line, requiring a 12-minute walk. The museum is also located directly along National Route 141, making it easily accessible by car from Tokyo, approximately two hours by drive or three hours by train. The village offers parking for approximately 230 vehicles shared across all facilities. Admission to the Hall of Halls costs ¥1,000 for adults, ¥800 for high school and university students, and ¥500 for elementary and junior high school students.