This is definitely a place worth visiting. It’s a museum dedicated to music boxes with a long and fascinating history — something I had never known before. There are so many unique designs to explore, and it’s also a great spot to pick up special souvenirs.
Just a small tip: walk carefully inside as there are many delicate items on display. If you’re carrying large bags or food, it’s a good idea to leave them outside or store them safely.
Prices are reasonable considering the craftsmanship, and the location is easy to find — right on the corner with one side as the museum and the other as a gift shop.
The Otaru Music Box Museum (小樽オルゴール堂) in Hokkaido is a captivating destination that beautifully combines history, craftsmanship, and nostalgia. Housed in a charming 1912 red-brick building, the museum offers an enchanting atmosphere filled with the melodies of over 25,000 music boxes from around the world .  
Highlights
• Diverse Collection: The museum showcases an impressive array of music boxes, ranging from antique European pieces to modern designs featuring popular themes like anime, J-pop, and classical tunes . 
• Interactive Experiences: Visitors can engage in hands-on activities, such as customizing their own music boxes at the You-kobo Handicrafts Studio, adding a personal touch to their visit . 
• Architectural Charm: The building itself is a historical gem, with its European-style brick facade and wooden interiors, complemented by a 5.5-meter-high steam clock that plays melodies every 15 minutes . 
Visitor Tips
• Best Times to Visit: To avoid crowds and fully enjoy the serene ambiance, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or on weekdays . 
• Souvenir Shopping: The museum offers a wide selection of music boxes for purchase, with options ranging from affordable machine-made pieces to handcrafted designs. For purchases over ¥5,000, tax-free shopping is available—remember to bring your passport . 
• Accessibility: The museum is easily accessible and open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission . 
Overall Impression
The Otaru Music Box Museum offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a fan of intricate craftsmanship, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, this museum provides a harmonious blend of history and artistry. Its enchanting ambiance and diverse exhibits make it a must-visit spot in Otaru.
Otaru Music Box Museum offers visitors a captivating blend of history, craftsmanship, and musical enchantment. Housed in a beautifully preserved red brick building constructed in 1912, this museum stands as a testament to Otaru's rich cultural heritage.
Originally serving as a rice merchant's office, the museum's main building has been designated a historical landmark by Otaru City. Its Renaissance-style architecture, featuring arched windows and natural stone cornerstones, adds to the charm of the surrounding Marchen Crossroads area. The building's historical significance is further accentuated by its well-preserved interiors, including decorated ceilings and handrails that transport visitors back in time.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 25,000 music boxes, encompassing more than 3,400 different types. From intricately designed glass and wooden boxes to plush toys and sushi-shaped music boxes, the variety is astounding. The first floor serves as a spacious hall where visitors can browse and purchase a wide array of music boxes, each emitting gentle melodies that fill the air with nostalgia.
Ascending to the second floor, guests are treated to a display of high-end and antique music boxes, some dating back to the 19th century. This area also features a three-dimensional model illustrating the history of music boxes, offering insights into their evolution over the centuries. The museum's knowledgeable staff are available to provide detailed explanations, enriching the visitor experience.
The music box museum is free to visit on the 2nd floor, and is part of the toy store itself. I'm impressed by all the variety, types, and models of music boxes they have here. The displays in the museum show even more pricier, antiques of them too.
It got busier in the late morning, but I got a chance to see it before. It's just a quick 10-min walk through. I highly recommend seeing the museum if you're already visiting here!
Stopped by the music box museum on my trip to Otaru and honestly didn't expect to spend 2 hours here! They have three floors and a lot of music box options with really cool design and music selections. Really liked the antique vibr of the place! On the second floor they even have the really old music boxes which was cool to see.
