Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments

The Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments, located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, stands as Japan's only public museum dedicated solely to musical instruments. Established in 1995, the museum emerged from Hamamatsu's renowned identity as a center of musical instrument manufacturing, home to global brands like Yamaha and Kawai. The city's deep connection to music production made it a natural location for this specialized cultural institution.

The museum houses an impressive collection of approximately 3,300 musical instruments from over 200 countries and regions, making it one of the most comprehensive collections worldwide. Visitors can explore instruments spanning diverse cultures and historical periods, from European keyboard instruments including rare harpsichords and pianos to traditional Asian instruments, African drums, and indigenous instruments from Oceania and the Americas. The collection provides insight into how different cultures have developed unique musical expressions and technologies.

Visitors can experience monthly demonstrations and performances that bring the instruments to life, and certain instruments are available for hands-on playing in designated areas. Headphone stations throughout the galleries allow guests to hear the actual sounds of displayed instruments. The museum also features a special exhibition room that hosts rotating displays focusing on specific themes, regions, or instrument types.

The museum is conveniently situated in central Hamamatsu, approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Hamamatsu Station. Visitors can also take the Enshu Railway bus and alight at the Akurenga Building stop, which is directly in front of the museum. The admission fee is ¥800 for adults, ¥400 for high school students, and ¥200 for junior high school students and younger children. The museum is closed on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and during the New Year holiday period. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, enhancing the experience for international visitors exploring this unique celebration of global musical heritage.