About Meiji-mura
Located in Inuyama City, Meiji-mura is a unique open-air museum dedicated to Japan’s architecture from the Meiji era (1868-1912) and early Taisho era (1912-1926). Established in 1965, the museum features a collection of over 60 historical buildings relocated from various sites across Japan.
The collection contains a range of structures, including government buildings, private residences, schools, churches, and a railway station. Each building has its own architectural style, with both traditional Japanese elements and Western influences present.
The museum curators carefully selected buildings heading for demolition due to urban development or other factors. Through a meticulous deconstruction and reconstruction process, these structures were given a new life within the museum grounds, preserving the physical structures and allowing them to be displayed in a recreated historical context, surrounded by landscaped gardens and open spaces reminiscent of their original settings.
Meiji-mura is a valuable resource for architects and historians studying the architectural styles and construction techniques of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By showcasing these structures in a recreated setting, the museum allows a deeper understanding of the country’s social, cultural, and political evolution during a pivotal time of modernization.
Directions to Meiji-mura
From Inuyama Station:
- Bus: Take the Inuyama City Bus bound for Inuyama Yuenchi (amusement park) and get off at the “Meiji-mura mae” (Meiji-mura front) bus stop (around 15 minutes).
- Taxi: A taxi ride from Inuyama Station to Meiji-mura is a convenient option, especially with luggage, and takes approximately 10 minutes.
Travel Tip: If you plan to explore other sights in Inuyama, consider purchasing a Meitetsu Inuyama One-Day Pass. This pass provides unlimited rides on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line for a day, but it won’t cover the bus ride from Inuyama Station to Meiji-mura.
Meiji-mura Opening Times and Cost
Opening Times:
Meiji-mura is open year-round, but the opening hours vary slightly depending on the season:
- March to July, September, and October: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- August: 10 AM to 5 PM
- November: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- December to February: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
It’s always a good practice to double-check the latest opening hours on the official Meiji-mura website (https://www.meijimura.com/) before your visit, especially during peak season or national holidays when hours might be adjusted.
Admission Cost:
- Adults: ¥2,000 (around $18 USD)
- University Students/Seniors: ¥1,600 (around $11 USD)
- High School Students: ¥1,200 (around $8 USD)
- Elementary School Students: ¥700 (around $5 USD)
Things to do near Meiji-mura
“Cabinet Library in Meiji Mura 2022 (1)” by Tomio344456 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.