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Okayama Orient Museum

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Okayama Orient Museum

The only public art museum in Japan dedicated to the ancient Orient.

3.15 3

Last update :
Supervised by :  岡山市立オリエント美術館

The only public art museum in Japan specializing in the Orient region, from ancient Mesopotamian civilization to the Islamic era. Its collection of around 5,000 items includes relics from a wide range of civilizations, from stone tools dating back Approx. 500,000 years to ceramics, glassware, and metalwork. Among the highlights is the Assyrian relief "Winged Eagle-Headed Protective Spirit" excavated from an ancient Mesopotamian royal palace, an impressive work that inspires thoughts of distant West Asia.

The building was completed in 1979. Its exterior is designed to evoke an ancient temple, while inside, top lighting and a large atrium create an exhibition space filled with soft natural light. In addition to the galleries, the museum also has a museum shop and the cafe "Ibrik," offering a comfortable place to take a break between exhibits.

Along with exhibitions from the museum's own collection, small special exhibitions exploring themes related to the ancient Orient are also held regularly, offering a new perspective with every visit. The museum also hosts regular workshops and hands-on experiences such as trying on ethnic costumes, making it a place where both children and adults can enjoy learning. It is a welcoming museum where visitors of all ages can casually experience the world of the ancient Orient.

Highlights

  • Introduces a wide range of ancient civilizations from West Asia to Egypt through a collection of Approx. 5,000 items.
  • Houses internationally acclaimed archaeological artworks, including Neo-Assyrian reliefs.
  • Features architecture inspired by ancient temples and exhibition spaces filled with natural light.
  • With collection exhibitions and small special exhibitions, there is something new to discover no matter how many times you visit.
  • You can also use just the cafe or shop.

Photos

  • A building designed to evoke an ancient temple

    A building designed to evoke an ancient temple

  • "Collection Exhibition," featuring around 300 pieces from the museum's holdings

    "Collection Exhibition," featuring around 300 pieces from the museum's holdings

  • Hands-on workshops are also held regularly

    Hands-on workshops are also held regularly

  • The cafe "Ibrik" serves Arabic coffee, a rarity in Japan!

    The cafe "Ibrik" serves Arabic coffee, a rarity in Japan!

  • A museum shop with a selection of exotic items

    A museum shop with a selection of exotic items

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

Yes, there are.

Q

Is re-entry allowed?
A

Yes, it is.

Q

Is there a smoking area?
A

No, there is not.

Q

Are there any tourist attractions nearby?
A

Yes. (Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, etc.)

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 雨妤魚
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    The Okayama museum—I actually just passed by, but I did see an exhibition that really interested me: an Egyptian exhibition.

    I've been interested in ancient Egyptian artifacts and the pyramids since I was a child, but it was my first time traveling to Japan on my own, and I was more interested in Japan. Plus, the admission wasn't very cheap, so I just passed by and took a photo〜

    But now it has come in handy. What a happy occasion.

  • 王小鈞
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    Okayama Orient Museum looks understated from the outside, but stepping inside feels like being instantly transported to the ancient Eastern world. Its collection of precious artifacts from the Middle East, Iran, China, and other regions is quite extensive. Seeing the Buddha statue excavated in Iran and the replica of the Code of Hammurabi stele especially gives you a real sense of the depth of ancient civilizations.

    Photography is prohibited inside, so I could only keep this one photo, but that also made it easier to focus on the exhibits. There weren't many visitors, and the overall atmosphere was very quiet and comfortable.

    Admission is only JPY 310, and even the restrooms cleverly incorporate Eastern elements. Unassuming yet full of character, this is a small Okayama attraction well worth remembering!

  • Kuo
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    The museum isn’t very big, but it’s comfortable to walk around and doesn’t feel tiring. It mainly features Oriental art, including artifacts and artworks from places like China, India, and the Middle East, and the collection clearly has its own character.

    It’s not crowded, and the whole atmosphere is very quiet, which makes it a great place to take your time and just immerse yourself. If you’re already interested in Oriental culture or art, it feels well worth a visit. Even if you’re just passing by, it’s still a nice spot to stop in and look around.

Details

Name in Japanese
岡山市立オリエント美術館
Postal Code
700-0814
Address
9-31 Tenjin-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture
Phone
086-232-3636
Closed on
Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), exhibition change periods, and the New Year holiday period (December 28–January 4)
Hours
9:00am–5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Admission
Adults 310 yen, high school and university students 210 yen, junior high school students and younger 100 yen (special exhibitions require a separate fee)
Access
1) Approx. 5 minutes from JR Okayama Station by streetcar bound for Higashiyama, get off at Shiroshita stop and it is right there
2) Approx. 15 minutes on foot from JR Okayama Station
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa