[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Meiji Mura: The Story of Japan's Modern Past Captured in Architecture

Meiji Mura is literally a hidden wonder of Japan. It spreads over a heavily wooded hillside, 20 minutes by bus from Inuyama, up a long, winding driveway from the nearest road.

The open-air museum was opened in 1965 with 11 buildings from the Meiji era (1868–1912). Now, Meiji Mura has 67 structures from the Meiji, Taisho (1912–1968), and early Showa (1926–1989) eras from Japan, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Foreign structures are included because they are part of the Japanese diaspora that began in the Meiji era.

*Saint Xavier Cathedral, Kyoto (1890). (© JAPAN Forward by Earl Kinmonth)*

The Visionaries Behind Meiji Mura

The creation of the Museum was driven by the architect Yoshiro Taniguchi (1904-1979) and Motoo Tsuchikawa (1903-1974), CEO of Meitetsu, a private railroad conglomerate dominant in the Nagoya area.

*The lobby of the Imperial Hotel (Tokyo, 1923), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. (© JAPAN Forward by Earl Kinmonth)*

All historical buildings at Meiji Mura are originals carefully disassembled and reconstructed at the Museum. A few are largely empty. Others contain artifacts and furniture typical of when they were in active use. Several including a courthouse and prison have mannequins in daily life situations.

*Miyazu District Court building (1886) and mannequins depicting court hearings inside. (© JAPAN Forward by Earl Kinmonth)*

Guided tours are available and in some cases required for certain buildings. But most structures are free to view at your own pace with no restrictions on photography.

*Barbershop (left) and its interior. Next to it is a retro sweet shop. (© JAPAN Forward by Earl Kinmonth)*

Homes and Villas of Notable Figures

The Museum preserves houses belonging to or used by literary figures including Natsume Soseki, Mori Ogai, and Koda Rohan.

*The study where Natsume Soseki wrote "I am a Cat." Mori Ogai also lived in this house at a different time. Tokyo, Bunkyo Ward, Sendagi (1887). (© JAPAN Forward by Earl Kinmonth)*

*Interior view of the study. The "cat" has a motion sensor and meows when you draw close.*

It also showcases mansions belonging to Meiji-era political heavyweights. These include Saionji Kinmochi (1849-1940), who was prime minister twice, and Saigo Tsugumichi (1843-1902), an admiral, cabinet official, and brother of Saigo Takamori who led a rebellion against the Meiji government.

*Mansion that belonged to Admiral Tsugumichi Saigo and its dining room.Tokyo, Meguro Ward, Kami-Meguro (1880). (© JAPAN Forward by Earl Kinmonth)*

One building houses industrial machinery important in Meiji era modernization. A 19th-century steam engine and coaches run on a short line within the park as does a similarly antique tram from Kyoto. The city was the first in Japan to have electric trams.

*Meiji era textile machinery on display in the Industrial Hall.*

Getting There

Meiji Mura is 58 minutes by direct bus from Nagoya and 20 minutes by bus (cash only) from Inuyama Station. Kimono rental is available. Limited food service is available, featuring Nagoya area items and "curry bread" made famous by a novel entitled Shokudouraku (食道楽) by Meiji-Taisho era novelist Murai Gensai (1864-1927).

*Mie Prefecture Ordinary Normal School (1888).*

Wheelchair access is generally good, but distances within the park are substantial and some slopes are quite steep. In the summer, heat and humidity need to be considered.

A shuttle bus operates within the Museum at 20-minute intervals.

*Retro-design shuttle bus. The driver gave me advice on how to use my limited time to best see the Museum.*

A morning visit to Meiji Mura with an early afternoon return to Inuyama allows visits to Inuyama Castle and Inuyama Castle Town in a single day. A package ticket including transportation and admission costs ¥4050 JPY ($28 USD) for adults.