Located in Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, the Bizen Fukuoka Local Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into medieval Japan's most prosperous trading town along the ancient Sanyo-do route. The museum is housed in the former Hirai Hospital building, constructed in 1923, and features exhibits on the history of Bizen Fukuoka, which boasted the most prosperity in medieval Sanyo-do, along with old medical equipment owned by the Hirai family and daily life tools.
The historic Bizen Fukuoka area flourished during the medieval period as a major commercial center, serving travelers and merchants along one of Japan's most important transportation routes. The museum is operated primarily by the Bizen Fukuoka Historic Preservation Society and showcases the town's role as the foremost settlement along the medieval Sanyo-do. The building itself represents the Taisho era (1912-1926) architectural style, adding another layer of historical significance to the visit.
Visitors can explore comprehensive displays covering the region's commercial heritage, including explanations of Bizen Fukuoka's medieval prominence, ancient medical practices, and traditional daily life artifacts. The collection includes old medical books, medical instruments, accessories, ancient coins, and materials from Fukuoka's Meiji and Taisho periods. The museum provides insight into both the medical history of the Hirai family and the broader cultural development of this historically significant area.
Access is available by taking the JR train to Osafune Station, followed by a 15-minute walk to the museum. Visitors arriving by car can reach the museum in approximately 20 minutes from the Sanyo Expressway Sanyo IC, with parking available for 3 regular cars. Due to its community-run nature, the museum may occasionally be closed without notice if staff are unavailable.
