All ethnology museums to visit in Japan

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 17 ethnology museums in Japan. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Japan:

  1. The Museum of Kyoto1

    The Museum of Kyoto

     Kyoto
    The Museum of Kyoto is a cultural institution that focuses on the history and culture of Kyoto. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city's past, from its ancient origins to its modern developments. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that showcase the unique traditions, arts, and historical events that have shaped Kyoto over the centuries.
  2. Naramachi Museum2

    Naramachi Museum

     Nara
    Visit this quaint museum if looking for information about Nara, its history, and local culture.
  3. Japanese Folk Crafts Museum3

    Japanese Folk Crafts Museum

     Tokyo
    The Japanese Folk Crafts Museum, or Nihon mingei-kan, is situated in the Komaba district of Meguro, Tokyo. The museum is dedicated to the collection and display of Japanese and exemplary foreign folk art. It was established in October 1936, thanks to the financial support of entrepreneur and patron Ōhara Magosaburō. The museum's mission is to showcase a selection of beautiful folk art pieces, providing a comprehensive view of this unique art form.
  4. Ebara Hatakeyama Museum of Art4

    Ebara Hatakeyama Museum of Art

     Tokyo
    The Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Arts, situated in Minato, Tokyo, is a private art museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of art pieces, making it an interesting destination for art enthusiasts visiting Tokyo.
  5. Nomura Art Museum5

    Nomura Art Museum

     Kyoto
    The Nomura Art Museum features two rooms dedicated to displaying exhibits. Additionally, the museum also houses a chashitsu, a traditional Japanese structure designed for tea ceremonies. This setup allows visitors to explore a variety of exhibits while also experiencing a piece of traditional Japanese culture.
  6. Shitamachi Museum6

    Shitamachi Museum

     Tokyo
    The Shitamachi Museum is situated in the Ueno district of Taito, Tokyo, Japan. It is conveniently located on the shores of the scenic Shinobazu Pond within the expansive Ueno Park. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a leisurely stroll around the park and pond.
  7. Yokohama History Museum7

    Yokohama History Museum

     Yokohama
    The Yokohama History Museum, also known as Yokohama-shi rekishi hakubutsukan, is situated in the Tsuzuki district of Yokohama, in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. This location is easily accessible and offers a deep dive into the rich history of Yokohama city.
  8. Wakayama City Museum8

    Wakayama City Museum

     Wakayama
    Opened in 1985, this museum focuses on the history of the city. See various historical artifacts both from Wakayama and the surrounding region.
  9. Ohno Karakuri Memorial Museum9

    Ohno Karakuri Memorial Museum

     Kanazawa
    This modern building hides an intriguing exhibition of traditional tea-serving puppets. Come here and experience how it feels to be served by an actual wooden doll.
  10. Hōsa Library10

    Hōsa Library

     Nagoya
    The Hōsa Bunko houses a diverse collection of materials, including Japanese, Chinese, and Korean classics dating back to the 13th century. Additionally, it boasts a vast array of maps, featuring Nagoya city maps, Japan maps, world maps, and maps of residences and gardens from the 17th to 18th century. These resources provide a comprehensive view of the region's history and cultural evolution.
  11. Hakata Machiya Folk Museum11

    Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

     Fukuoka Prefecture
    Visit this museum and learn more about the history and culture of Hakata - one of the oldest cities in Japan. The exhibition depicts its famous festivals, crafts, and a miniature town.
  12. Wakayama Prefecture Kii-fudoki-no-oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore12

    Wakayama Prefecture Kii-fudoki-no-oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore

     Wakayama
    Adjacent to the Iwase Senzuka burial site, this museum will inform you about the lives of the early locals and their folk customs.
  13. Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum13

    Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum

     Yokohama
    The Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum, also known as Kanazawa Bunko, is situated in the Kanazawa Ward of Yokohama, Japan. This museum is a significant cultural site that houses a vast collection of traditional Japanese and Chinese art objects, many of which date back to the Kamakura period.
  14. Silk Museum14

    Silk Museum

     Yokohama
    The Yokohama Silk Museum, situated in Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan, is a unique institution dedicated to the silk trade in Japan. This museum provides an in-depth look into the history and significance of silk in the country, making it an interesting destination for those interested in Japanese culture and history.
  15. 15

    Hand-woven Museum Orinarikan

     Kyoto
    A museum providing expositions showing dyeing and weaving of handmade fabrics. It is an important part of Japanese history.
  16. Meiji University Museum16

    Meiji University Museum

     Tokyo
    The Meiji University Museum is an educational institution managed by Meiji University. It is situated within the Surugadai campus of the university. The museum is a significant cultural and educational hub, offering a unique blend of exhibits and collections that reflect the diverse academic disciplines of the university.
  17. Osaka Prefectural Museum of Kamigata Comedy and Performing Arts17

    Osaka Prefectural Museum of Kamigata Comedy and Performing Arts

     Osaka Prefecture
    If you are interested in traditional Japanese drama, do not miss this museum, that provides exposition of costumes and other stage items from Kamigata comedies and Rakugo storytelling.