Museum Meiji Mura Village | Review by wendy

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Museum Meiji Mura Village

A museum famous for serving as a filming location for TV shows and movies, where visitors can experience the Meiji era.

5 Sep 2026 See More

This is a well-known open-air museum in Japan, and it also attracts attention because it is often used as a filming location for TV dramas and movies. The grounds are huge, and stepping inside feels like entering the streets of the Meiji period. You can admire the preserved and relocated historic buildings while experiencing the unique blend of Westernization and traditional Japanese culture following the Meiji Restoration.

Many valuable Meiji-period buildings are preserved here, including National Important Cultural Properties such as St. John's Church and the main entrance of the Imperial Hotel. Each building has its own history and is well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

And this isn't just a place to look at buildings!

You can also ride the SL Meiji steam train and an old streetcar. There is even an option to dress in Meiji-period clothing. Wearing vintage clothes and taking pictures in front of the old buildings really feels like traveling back in time!

The grounds are enormous, so I recommend setting aside a full day to explore at a relaxed pace. Adult admission is about JPY 2,500, and I also recommend purchasing the sightseeing bus pass for JPY 500, which can save you a lot of walking.

If you like Japanese history, old buildings, movie locations, or taking vintage-style photos, Museum Meiji Mura Village is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! Inuyama Castle is also nearby, so you can combine them into a one-day trip and enjoy a history-filled visit to Inuyama.

Other Reviews by wendy

Okazaki Castle

A castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616), who founded the Edo shogunate, was born. In 2006, it was selected as one of the “Top 100 Castles in Japan.” With many legends tied to dragons, it is also known as “Tatsugajo (Dragon Castle).” One legend says that when Takechiyo (later Ieyasu) was born, dark clouds swirled above the castle and a golden dragon appeared.
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Okazaki Castle, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan, is a historical attraction well worth visiting when in Okazaki. From Nagoya, it takes just over 30 minutes by limited express train to reach Higashi Okazaki Station, followed by a little over a 10-minute walk to the castle, making it quite convenient to get to.

There are many shrines, temples, and historic sites around Okazaki Castle, and the entire area is very well maintained. Besides going up to the castle keep and taking in views of Okazaki from the top, I also visited the Ieyasu Museum, which has a very comprehensive collection of historical information. Anyone interested in Japan's Sengoku period will probably really enjoy it.

There really aren't many visitors here, and it's especially peaceful on weekdays. Taking a leisurely walk through Okazaki Park is very pleasant.
Yakimono Sanpo-michi

Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture has long been known as an area where the ceramics industry has flourished. Yakimono Sanpo-michi is a popular walking area where visitors can experience the history and culture of Tokoname ware, which has long been counted among Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. Centered around a ceramics district that thrived most in the early Showa period, the area offers scenery distinctive to a pottery town, including brick chimneys, a climbing kiln, workshops with black walls, and retaining walls made with clay pipes and shochu bottles.
- Aichi
- Tourist Attractions
5 Sep 2026 See More

If you're visiting Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, I highly recommend taking a walk along Yakimono Sanpo-michi, where you can experience the history and culture of the famous Japanese ceramics known as Tokoname ware firsthand.

The whole walking area retains a strong retro atmosphere. As you stroll through the alleys, you'll see many old houses, ceramic works, and unique little shops. The overall atmosphere is very relaxing. There aren't too many visitors, so it's comfortable for taking photos, and you don't need to set aside much time. Even a casual walk around the area feels rewarding.

If I had to describe it, it's a bit like Taiwan's Treasure Hill and Yingge combined. You can admire old street architecture and ceramic art as you walk, making it perfect for people who enjoy photography or are interested in ceramics.

There are quite a few small ceramics shops along the way, all selling distinctive pieces. If you like Tokoname ware, you can take your time choosing some favorite items to bring home.

Unfortunately, I visited on a Monday, so many of the shops were closed, and even the nearby Shinmeisha Shrine wasn't open.

Also, the signs along the walking route aren't very clear, so first-time visitors may have a little trouble finding their way.
Inuyama Castle Town

This castle town stretches south from Inuyama Castle, a famous castle built in 1537 and designated a National Treasure. Miraculously spared from the ravages of war for more than 480 years, both the castle and castle town still retain the original town layout based on the defensive castle structure known as sogamae. With its old-world atmosphere and manageable size, it is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Aichi
- Tourist Attractions
5 Sep 2026 See More

If you're visiting Inuyama Castle, I definitely recommend stopping by Inuyama Castle Town too! It preserves the look and feel of the old castle town, with historic buildings lining both sides of the street. Walking through it feels like stepping back into old Japan.

The entire street is packed with food options, including many stands where you can grab something to eat while walking, which is very convenient if you're short on time. Of course, there are also plenty of restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace. If you have enough time, it's a great place to eat and browse as you go. As you head toward Inuyama Castle, you'll also find many unique little shops where you can take your time hunting for interesting finds.

At the end of the food street, there's also the Dondenkan Museum, where you can learn about Inuyama's traditional festival floats. It's well worth a visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and traditional culture. If you want to avoid the crowds, I really recommend coming early in the morning! There are far fewer visitors then, making it more comfortable to take photos. You can leisurely explore the old streets before slowly making your way toward Inuyama Castle.