Open-air museum Meiji Mura opened in 1965 to preserve and exhibit Meiji architecture. Buildings of artistic and historical value, mainly from the Meiji Era (1868-1912), have been relocated and restored, and are arranged and displayed in a way that best demonstrates their value as cultural assets. The original locations of the relocated structures range from throughout Japan to as far away as Seattle, Hawaii, and Brazil. The vast grounds, covering approximately one million square meters, offer visitors the feeling of having traveled back in time to the Meiji Period.

Meiji Mura also offers a variety of interesting experiences. One of the most unique is to ride on a steam locomotive built in the Meiji Period (though operation is occasionally suspended). It is a rare opportunity and a valuable experience, not only in Japan, but anywhere in the world, to actually ride in a vehicle that was manufactured more than 100 years ago. In addition, visitors can take commemorative photos wearing Meiji-era schoolgirl costumes and summer uniforms, stroll around the village, ride the Kyoto City Tram (the first streetcar in Japan), and play traditional Japanese games such as target practice and Japanese archery.

Meiji Mura also offers visitors the opportunity to savor food from the Meiji Era (1868-1912). At the "Shokudoraku Curry Bread" restaurant, visitors can enjoy fried curry pockets created based on the recipe from the novel "Shokudoraku." The chicken and crushed peanuts make for a unique flavor. At Oi Beef Hot Pot Restaurant, visitors can enjoy beef hot pot, once symbolic of Japan's civilization and enlightenment. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Meiji Era in the Oi Beef Hot Pot Restaurant building, constructed in around 1887. At Japanese Restaurant Hekisuitei, visitors can partake in other dining experiences unique to Meiji Mura, such as the waffles made by reproducing and arranging a recipe from "Manbo-chinsho" published in the 6th year of Meiji (1873).