Museum Meiji-Mura / 明治村 (Aichi)
About Museum Meiji-Mura
Open-air Museum Meiji-Mura was opened in 1965 to preserve and exhibit architecture from the Meiji Era. In the area of approximately one million square meters, buildings of artistic and historical value mainly from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) have been relocated from Japan, Seattle, Hawaii, and Brazil, and have been restored, arranged and displayed in the form that best demonstrates the value in the cultural assets. Experience the living of the Meiji Era.
A variety of unique experiences are available at the “Museum Meiji-Mura”, and one of most rare opportunity and valuable experience even worldwide, is riding on the steam locomotive manufactured in the Meiji Era, which is more than a century ago.
*Operation is occasionally suspended.
Taking memorial photos while dressed in dresses or school-girl outfits or student clothes from Meiji Era and strolling around the village, riding on the Kyoto City Tram (first streetcar in Japan), and playing traditional Japanese games such as "Shateki" [shooting gallery] and "Yaba" [Japanese archery], are some of the other experiences to be enjoyed.
When visiting “Museum Meiji-Mura”, the dishes from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) may also be enjoyed.
Enjoy the fried curry bun [curry pan] with the unique flavor of chicken and crushed peanuts, based on the recipe from the novel "Shokudoraku" at the "Shokudoraku Curry Pan Shop" [Shokudoraku Curry Bread Shop].
At "Gyunabe Ooi Gyuniku-ten" [Ooi Beef Hot-Pot Restaurant], taste the "gyunabe", the first of "Sukiyaki" today. The building of the restaurant was constructed around 1887, and the mood of the Meiji Era is to be enjoyed.
At "Washokudokoro Hekisuitei" [Japanese Restaurant Hekisuitei], enjoy waffles reproduced and arranged from the recipe in the "Manbo-chinsho" published in the year of Meiji 6 (1873).
Getting there and around
by Train and Bus
Take the Nagoya Railroad Inuyama Line from Meitetsu Nagoya Station and disembark at Inuyama Station (approximately 30 mins.)
Take the Gifu Bus for Meiji Mura from Meitetsu Inuyama Station East Exit (approximately 30 mins.)
by Bus
Take a short-distance highway bus bound for Meiji Mura from Meitetsu Bus Center at Nagoya Station (approx. 80 min.).
Recommendations
Places to Enjoy Seasonal Features
In the fall, the village is covered in quaint scenery of deciduous trees, dogwood and other trees, changing red and yellow beautifully complementing the buildings.
In spring, approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees bloom, including the weeping cherry trees [Shidarezakura] in late March, Somei Yoshino cherry trees in early April, and Yaezakura cherry trees from mid-April, for seasonal picturesque scenery.
St. John's Cathedral / 聖ヨハネ教会堂
The cathedral was built as "Kyoto Gojo Anglican Church" in Japan, designated as an essential National Cultural Property. It is based on the Romanesque style from Medieval Europe and features Gothic design on the exterior. The interior of the second floor of the cathedral is cruciform in shape, with a thin framework of arched canes and reinforcing steel bars giving the impression that the interior is larger than actual. Stained glass windows bathe the rooms bright and colorful.
Villa of Prince Kimmochi Saionji "Zagyo-so" / 西園寺公望別邸｢坐漁荘｣
"Zagyo-so" was built in Okitsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, as the villa of the Prince and the former Prime Minister Saionji Kimmochi, the senior statesman who made great achievements in the Meiji Government. The residence, built in the sukiya style [the style of a tea-ceremony house], with the mood of its time, deep in history. The shoji [Japanese traditional sliding doors] screens in the second-floor tatami-matted room open onto a beautiful view of Iruka Pond with the distant mountains in the background. The rooms are filled with furniture that was used by Kimmochi Saionji, providing a glimpse of what life was like in those days.
Tokyo School for the Blind Carriage Porch / 東京盲学校車寄
At the corner of the Japanese Garden in Museum Meiji-Mura 1-chome is the Tokyo School for the Blind Carriage Porch. The stylish exterior of the carriage porch was reconstructed from the carriage porch of the Tokyo School for the Blind built in 1910. The surrounding Japanese Garden is exquisitely maintained and gives fresh greenery in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
Information
Unique Local Experiences
“Momotaro”, one of the most beloved fairytales in Japan, in which a boy born from a peach floating down the stream of Kisogawa [river] growing up strong and finally defeating the demons [Oni] that caused people harm. It is said that the birthplace of "Momotaro" is in Inuyama City, and the Momotaro Jinja [Shrine] was dedicated. The torii [entrance gate] is in the rare shape of peach, and unique concrete statues created by concrete sculptor Asano Shoun are displayed at the shrine. This shrine has been introduced on Japanese TV programs as an interesting and unique spot.
Travel Recommendations
The Museum Meiji-Mura is one of the largest amusement parks in Japan, with a lot to see and do, and is recommended to spend a whole day. In addition, the city of Inuyama, located close to Museum Meiji-Mura, also has many other attractive sites nearby starting with the National Treasure "Inuyama Castle".
Staying overnight at Inuyama is also recommended to enjoy your stay to the fullest at Inuyama City and the Museum Meiji-Mura.
Accommodations
Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen / ホテルインディゴ犬山有楽苑(Aichi)
103-1,Kitakoken Inuyama, Aichi
Opened in March 2022, Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen is a beautifully designed boutique hotel inspired by treasures of Inuyama. Located beside the Japanese Garden "Urakuen" housing the National Treasure "Jo-an" tea ceremony room. Beautiful direct views....
Nagoya Travel Guide