Sendai Kaleidoscope Art Museum

Located along the Futakuchi Highway, not far from the Akiu Onsen area, this museum is one of the few in the world dedicated exclusively to kaleidoscopes. Since opening in 1999, it has showcased a wide-ranging collection and special exhibitions, sharing the fascination of kaleidoscopes with visitors from all walks of life.

The three-story facility features a museum shop, hands-on activity corners, and exhibition rooms. It’s an interactive space where you can view unique works and private collections, actually look into and handle kaleidoscopes, and even try making one yourself. The museum also exhibits ceramics by Teruko Tsuji-Japan’s first recognized female ceramic artist-who served as its honorary director.

In the kaleidoscope-making workshops, you can choose from experiences such as the simple version, where you just select beads to place in a tube, or the more advanced “dress-up kaleidoscope” workshop, where you fill a 3.5 cm glass vial with beads to create an authentic oil-type kaleidoscope. Don’t miss the chance to craft your very own one-of-a-kind kaleidoscope!