Last Saturday, we visited the National Museum of Japanese History (ε½η«ζ΄ε²ζ°δΏεη©ι€¨) in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. At first, we were rather worried that our two little minions would misbehave in such a proper place. Thankfully, there was a lot to see and a lot of interactive exhibits to keep them busy.
There are six permanent galleries that are designed with a selected theme to show the flow of Japanese history and culture. We revisited life in Ancient Japan, Early Modern Japan, and the Postwar Era. Gallery One (Paleolithic Age to Eighth Century) was closed for renovation.
The Japanese love their Obake / Bakemono (εγη© / monsters)! There is a section dedicated to these famous Japanese folklore creatures. Though Godzilla is not from any myth or folktale, he is definitely the King of Monsters, a superstar since the Showa Period. We found him guarding the exit of Gallery Six.
What I love most about this museum is the details in their miniatures. Check out the last picture. I was so amused by it!
I found an illustration style that I really like. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the name of the talented artist. There was no mention of him or her anywhere! I even approached a staff member standing nearby to find out, but he was clueless too. So sad! π
Fireball and his sister were too young to understand most of the exhibits, but they had their share of fun by pressing all the interactive buttons. There is a room near Gallery Six where children can learn through play.
After touring the museum, we took a nice, long walk in the spacious park next to the building. It was a good place to spend a quiet day. We will definitely be back when the kids are a little older. π
Museum Information
Admission Fee
Adult: Β₯420
Students (over age 16): Β₯250
Students (age 6-15): FREE
See the official information guide here.
Opening Hours:
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Last entry: 4:00 p.m.)
Closed on Mondays* (when Monday is a holiday, closed the following day),
and from the 27th of December to the 4th of January
*Please double-check the official website for closing dates.
Car Park
Free.
Address
117 Jonai-cho, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture 285-8502 JAPAN
See access on the official website.
What? There’s Godzilla but no Gamera? π
Haha, come to think of it, I hardly see Gamera any where! π