[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Meiji Mura: The Story of Japan's Modern Past Captured in Architecture
Meiji Mura is underrated considering all the architectural marvels it has to offer, including the Imperial Hotel designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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.
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.
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 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.
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