Though called a museum, Meiji Mura in Inuyama, near Nagoya in Aichi prefecture, is a large complex with over 60 historical buildings carefully moved, restored, and assembled into a town on the border of Lake Iruka. It is an interesting glimpse into life during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The buildings were saved from demolition from sites all over Japan, an incredible feat considering that most Meji Era structures were destroyed in wars and earthquakes, or removed to make room for more modern ones.
Imperial Hotel – Meiji Mura Museum 博物館明治村
The most famous building is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel, which stood in Tokyo from 1923-1967. Another popular site is the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, which is available for weddings. In the Meiji Era, Japan opened its borders to western ideas and trade, and native architecture techniques started to incorporate brick and other foreign design elements.
Central Guard Station – Meiji Mura Museum 博物館明治村
Therefore, all of the buildings at Meiji Mura are interesting in their own way, from the butcher shop to school, sake brewery to prison, theater to post office. There are even bridges of historical significance, and a streetcar and steam locomotive line.
Sugashima Lighthouse – Meiji Mura Museum 博物館明治村
As well as the buildings themselves, furniture and other period memorabilia have been gathered into Meiji Mura. You can enter the different places and see what life might have been like. Often there are temporary exhibits and seasonal activities. There are three restaurants and multiple cafes where you can get a bite to eat or drink. Several buildings house shops with souvenirs and gifts related to the period.
St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral – Meiji Mura Museum 博物館明治村
There is even a functional post office on site. Meiji Mura is like a historical theme park filled with real artifacts. It is interesting not just to those who like history and architecture, it is a fascinating day trip for families and people of all ages.
Meiji Mura Museum 博物館明治村
Meiji Mura is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm, March through October. It is open until 4 pm November through February, and is closed Mondays during that period. Entrance fees are 1600 yen for adults, 1200 yen for seniors, 1000 yen for high school students, and 600 yen for elementary and junior high students. Some activities have an additional fee. You can get to Meiji Mura by taking the Meitetsu Inuyama Line train from Nagoya Station to Inuyama Station, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 540 yen. Transfer to the Meitetsu bus to Meiji Mura. It takes about 20 minutes and costs 410 yen. The JR Pass is not valid on the Meitetsu lines. The official website has good photographs and information in English: http://www.meijimura.com/english/index.html
photos by:
padraic collins &
padraic collins,
padraic collins,
Mr Wabu,
Mr Wabu
