Meiji-Mura (博物館明治村) is an open-air museum consisting of more than 70 buildings from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The word mura (村) means "village" in Japanese. This theme park in the historical city of Inuyama, Aichi prefecture, is such that as soon as you step in you are transported straight back in time.
The village is spread over a million sq. m. and is divided into several parts.
To travel within the village, we recommend purchasing an unlimited day-trip ticket for the village bus. Adults : 1,300 yen Children (elementary school students and younger): 800 yen
There are about 67 important architectural buildings here and if you plan on walking, then you may not have enough time to cover everything.
At this village, you can learn the history of the Meiji era in an easy manner as you can see structures and artefacts right in front of you.
The Meiji era was when Japan first began to open its doors to the world. Culture and art during this period had an influence from the West. The characters in the photo can be seen wearing clothing similar to the characters in the anime Demon Slayer. Kimono were created using new patterns and men started wearing pants and suits.
In each part of the village, there is a small train station, where you can board steam locomotives from the past.
The atmosphere in each part of the village is quite different and fascinating as there is a unique blend of traditional Japanese and western elements.
One of the fashion movements of the time was Hikara (high collar-ハイカラ); this was a time when Japanese men wore clothes with high collars imitating the western world to suggest refinement. At Meiji-Mura, you can also enjoy trying out an outfit like this.
One of the many impressive buildings is that of the Japan Post Office. Currently under maintenance, but you can buy postcards and stamps exclusive to this post office and send a card to someone special.
Other than grand structures, you will also see everyday buildings.
Check out how cute this bus stop is!
This building is a theater for kabuki, rakugo and so on.
You can see the architecture of a traditional Japanese theater up close. A great way to understand seating arrangements back in the day as well as how scene sets were changed.
This is the village bus which also has a retro feel.
Churches of the Meiji era.
Stained glass featured in the many of the buildings.
Another building that should not be missed here is the Imperial Hotel (帝国ホテル中央玄関). Built in 1923 as a place to welcome foreign visitors, it was designed by the famous 20th century American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The building was placed behind a reflecting pool and courtyard. Accommodation wings were on the sides connected by the lobby which featured perpendicular bridges and hallways. Considered to be one of Llyod's best-known structures in Asia, architecture enthusiasts will definitely be thrilled with this building.
In addition to the architecture and design, the food sold here also reproduces original flavors from the Meiji period. You can truly gain access to the Meiji era in various forms here.
We tried some croquettes and were not disappointed.
If you plan on visiting Aichi prefecture, do add the Meiji-Mura to your itinerary.
Museum Meiji-Mura (博物館明治村)
Opening hours: 10:00-16:00 Book tickets via Trip.com Official website: https://www.meijimura.com Google MapDownload the Ikidane Nippon App: iOS / Android Let us know if there is something that needs to be fixed: Feedback Form
