【The Museum Meiji-Mura】Step into the Meiji era and admire authentic Meiji architecture

Information to Help Enjoy Meiji-Mura

The Meiji era in Japan saw the first electric lights and railways. It was during this era that children began to attend elementary schools and adults started reading newspapers, which are now commonplace. Furthermore, the modern concept of a 24-hour day and a 365-day year was established during the Meiji era. 

After a period of national isolation, Japan experienced rapid changes while incorporating new values from the West into its traditional culture. Don’t you think it’s valuable to personally experience the foundational era of modern Japan?

Meiji-Mura is not just about visiting historical buildings. You can also have various experiences, such as wearing period costumes and riding on a steam locomotive (SL). See, touch, and of course, taste the gourmet food of the era. This facility is not only for those who reminisce about the Meiji era but also for the generations who are not familiar with it, making it a fun place to visit with a recreational sense. Experience the greatness of the people who lived in the Meiji era; appreciate the conveniences of modern life; and discover new aspects and the spirit of the Meiji era. Please explore every corner of this unique, experiential museum.

Must-See Meiji Architecture That Transcends Time and Fascinates People

Here are three places you don’t want to miss among the numerous buildings in Meiji-Mura. The first is the Imperial Hotel Central Entrance, which is just a short walk from the north entrance and near SL Tokyo Station. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a renowned architect of the 20th century. The building’s grandeur is perfect for a capital city’s reception facility, and its spatial design with changes in floor and ceiling heights, as well as its diverse artistic beauty, is truly remarkable.

The second is the Takada Koguma Photo Studio, with its charming, stylish atmosphere. During this era, photo studios were seen as symbols of modernization and Westernization. The building has a simple Western-style structure, with a reception room, darkroom, and living quarters on the first floor, and a shooting studio on the second floor. Its captivating appearance makes you want to keep looking at it. It is said that the studio continued to operate until the Showa era, undergoing expansions and renovations along the way.

The third is the Miyazu Courthouse Courtroom, a criminal court building for regional courts. The entire courthouse has an H-shaped, symmetrical layout, and the right-wing section has been relocated to Meiji-Mura. While higher courts are often Western-style brick buildings, this lower court is a Japanese-Western hybrid wooden structure. Based on Japanese-style design with Western elements incorporated throughout, this building is a perfect example of architecture that represents the Meiji era.

Time Travel with Your Body and Mind through Retro Meiji Experiences

The stylish costume experience is popular with couples and groups of women. There are two courses: the Commemorative Photo Course and the Stroll Course. At the Yasuda Bank Aizu Branch, you can dress up in Meiji-era female student outfits and student uniforms. Wearing hakama, which you don’t usually have the chance to wear, will undoubtedly lift your spirits.

If you take commemorative photos while strolling around various spots in the Stroll Course, pretending to be a student from that time, it will surely be a great memory. When you participate in the experience, you’ll also receive an original bookmark, which is a nice bonus! This course is limited to the first 20 people per day, so if you’re interested, be sure to sign up early. Neither the Commemorative Photo Course, which has a five-minute rental time, nor the Stroll Course can be reserved and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of your visit.

Don’t forget about the train ride experience. A steam locomotive (SL) manufactured in the Meiji era pulls passenger cars, and you can actually ride it for about five minutes between stations. The fact that both the locomotive and passenger cars, which have raced through more than 100 years of history, are still running and can be used by people is not rare just in Japan but also worldwide. It’s an experience that can be enjoyed by both SL enthusiasts and those who aren’t as it evokes a sense of romance. The train operations, including the coupling of the locomotive and passenger cars, also reproduce the Meiji era. Pay attention to the actions of the train staff after the SL arrives at the station.

An Exciting Variety of Souvenirs: Don’t Miss Out on Visiting All the Shops!

In the village, there are souvenir shops located in District 1, 4, and 5. For cute miscellaneous items that will make women’s hearts flutter, check out the gift shop Raku. They offer daily-use items, such as tenugui (Japanese hand towels) and accessories, as well as adorable cat-themed goods you’ll want to keep close.

The Shinagawa Glass Shop is perfect for choosing gifts. You can purchase glass-made products, including tableware, miscellaneous items, and accessories. The clear, sparkling items will surely tempt you to take them home. They’re also highly recommended as gifts for someone special.

If you’re looking for souvenirs for family and friends, head to the Museum Shop at the main entrance gate or the SL Tokyo Station Store near the north gate, which has the largest sales area. In addition to Meiji-Mura’s original boxed confections, stylish miscellaneous items are also on sale. A wide range of perfect souvenir items are available.

Don’t forget to visit Dagashiya Yagumo, which is bustling with children. The store is filled with nostalgic sweets and retro toys, like bamboo dragonflies and paper balloons. It’s a popular shop where people often end up staying longer than they intended.

For those in the know, there’s also a special limited-time merchandise sale! You can buy original goods from the Meiji Greats Squad, which is active as Meiji-Mura’s official hospitality group, directly from the great figures themselves. Be sure to check the Meiji Greats Squad activity information for the location and time of the sales.