Kadokawa and Even More Fascinating Museums in Japan

Japan has amazing sights, but if you’re looking for something different, why not explore some of its most unusual museums? One highlight is the Kadokawa Culture Museum. It’s a creative space filled with books, anime, and art.

From traditional tattoos to the history of money and the design of everyday packaging, these places offer a fresh and fun way to experience Japanese culture. Let’s look at four unique museums you should check out. 

Kadokawa Culture Museum

The Kadokawa Culture Museum in Tokorozawa offers a deep dive into Japan’s pop culture, literature, and art. Kadokawa has held exhibits featuring works such as Bungou Stray Dogs. Opened in 2020, the museum is part of the Sakura Town complex and allows visitors to explore Kadokawa’s influence on Japan’s entertainment world. 

The museum, designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma, blends modern architecture with its natural surroundings. Its exterior looks like something out of a manga comic book. Inside, rotating exhibitions showcase Kadokawa’s impact on anime, films, and digital art. Special galleries also explore the connection between books and movies, showing how Kadokawa has shaped Japan’s media industry.

The main highlights include the Bookshelf Theater, a library with over 30,000 titles. Additionally, the Manga & Light Novel Library houses 35,000 examples of manga literature, which is said to be one of the largest collections in the world. The Kadokawa Culture Museum is a fun and engaging experience for anyone interested in Japanese culture or entertainment. It’s the perfect spot for fans to explore the creative power behind some of Japan’s most popular titles! 

Currency Museum

Step into Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district and discover the Currency Museum of the Bank of Japan, which brings money to life! This hidden gem flips the script on what you’d expect from a museum, turning coins and banknotes into storytellers of Japan’s rich and complex history. Since opening in 1985, the museum has taken visitors through over 1,300 years of Japanese currency. 

You’ll see everything from wado kaichin, the country’s oldest coin, to modern yen with high-tech security features. The exhibits show what money looked like and how it shaped Japanese society, trade, and everyday life. The museum presents its collection clearly and engagingly, with English explanations and interactive displays that make it easy to follow.

You can trace how people once used rice and shells for trade or examine the intricate designs on samurai-era coins. Best of all, admission is entirely free! Whether you’re curious about economics or love hidden cultural spots, the Currency Museum offers a refreshing and memorable experience.

Looking for some great snacks to enjoy while heading to your favorite museum? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest spring goodies directly from Japan!

Bunshin Tattoo Museum

In a country where tattoos tend to be stigmatized, the Bunshin Tattoo Museum in Yokohama flips the script. It proudly celebrates the rich, fascinating art and history of Japanese tattooing. In particular, this hidden gem dives deep into the world of irezumi, which refers to Japan’s traditional full-body tattoos. This museum invites visitors to see them not as symbols of crime but as powerful works of art.

Renowned tattoo artist Horiyoshi III founded the museum to preserve and share this fading craft. Inside, you’ll find original hand-drawn designs, tattoo tools, and striking photographs that bring the stories of Japanese tattooing to life. The museum shows how these tattoos evolved from Edo-period punishment marks into intricate body art filled with dragons, koi fish, and mythical beasts.

The space feels intimate, almost like stepping into a private studio. You won’t just look at art; you’ll connect with its passion and meaning. If you’re into bold visuals, underground culture, or offbeat experiences, the Bunshin Tattoo Museum offers a rare look into a side of Japan few get to see. The museum goes beyond showcasing tattoos; it honors the artistry and history behind them. It’s an unforgettable journey into a world that’s often misunderstood.

The Museum of Package Culture

Japan’s dedication to design and detail shines at the Museum of Package Culture in Tokyo. This unique museum immerses visitors in the fascinating world of packaging, showcasing how the art of wrapping and presenting items has evolved. Located in Shinagawa, the museum displays thousands of examples of packaging from the 20th century. 

The exhibits highlight how packaging is functional and expresses creativity, from vintage cigarette boxes to intricately designed food packaging. Each piece demonstrates Japan’s commitment to combining form and function. Interactive displays bring the history of packaging to life, illustrating how design trends have changed.

For those interested in design, culture, or simply the unexpected, the Museum of Package Culture offers a fun, offbeat experience. It’s an eye-opening look at the often-overlooked art of packaging, offering a fresh perspective on the everyday items surrounding us. The museum also features a unique vending machine selling original souvenirs from packaging materials, like cardboard craft models and safety can openers! 

Why should you visit these unusual museums? 

Visiting these unusual museums in Japan is a great way to discover new and interesting parts of Japanese culture and history. Each museum tells a unique story, from the art of traditional tattoos to the evolution of packaging design and the history behind Japanese money.

These museums give you a deeper look into Japan’s past and present, showing sides of the country that many people don’t often see. If you’re looking for something different from the usual tourist spots, these museums offer a fun and memorable experience you won’t forget! Which museums do you want to visit and why? Let us know in the comments below! 

Sources

• Google Arts & Culture. “Alternative Day Out: 9 Museums off the Beaten Track in Tokyo“.
• Japanese National Tourist Organization. “New Perspectives on Japanese Pop Culture, Literature and Art at the Kadokawa Culture Museum and The Yokote Masuda Manga Museum“.
• Japanese National Tourism Organization. “Bank of Japan Currency Museum 貨幣博物館“.