20 Museums in Aichi worth your time

This museum showcases Toyota's innovations and future, with interactive exhibits and a children's area.

What it is

• One of Toyota Motor Corporation's oldest museums.
• Opened in 1977 for the company's 40th anniversary.
• Highlights technological and organizational innovations.
• More forward-looking than the Toyota Kuragaike Commemorative Hall.

What to see

• Square-shaped building with an open central courtyard.
• Lobby displays changed every few months.
• Five themed zones: Eco, Safety, Production, Company, Showroom.
• Interactive exhibits like a factory welding robot.
• Driving safety simulator.
• Children's area on the second floor about car basics and manufacturing.

When to go

• Guided tours take about 30 minutes.
• Thorough inspection of exhibits can take 2 hours.

Official site

www.toyota.co.jp

Read more about Toyota Kaikan Museum

A citizen-founded museum in Nagoya showcasing historical documents and artifacts to promote peace and reflection on war history.

What it is

• A museum founded by Mikiko Noma and local citizens in May 2007.
• A three-story steel structure designated as a museum-equivalent facility in 2010.
• A repository for over 3,200 historical documents and items donated by the public.

What to see

• Four distinct thematic exhibition areas spread across the three-story building.
• A collection of approximately 3,220 historical artifacts and donated documents.

When to go

• Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00.
• The facility is closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays.

Getting there

• The museum is a fifteen-minute walk from Issha Station.

Official site

peace-aichi.com

Read more about PEACE AICHI

Water museum in Chita City, offering insights into local water history and projects.

What it is

• A water museum in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Opened in 1976 beside Saori Pond.
• Used an old wooden government building until 1994.

What to see

• Two-floor building.
• First floor: panels on prefectural waterworks history.
• First floor: materials on Saori Pond development project.
• First floor: Aichi Prefecture water and industrial water projects.
• Second floor: folk materials related to water.
• Second floor: dioramas of life before Aichi Canal completion.

When to go

• Dam cards distributed since February 1, 2014.

Getting there

• 10 minutes walk from Ume-no-yakata-guchi bus stop.

Read more about Mizu no Seikatsukan Museum

This museum explains how Gamagori became a popular resort for writers, displaying artifacts and a reproduction of an inn room.

What it is

• Museum explaining Gamagori's popularity with writers in early 20th century.
• Opened in 1997 on site of former Tokiwakan inn.
• Dedicated to the Tokiwakan inn and its founder Taki Nobushiro.
• Reproduction of a 1910 wooden building, formerly a clinic.

What to see

• Artifacts and documents from Tokiwakan and Gamagori Hotel.
• Reproduction of a room at the Tokiwakan, decorated as in 1927.
• Tatami-mat room with shoji panels opening to Takeshima view.
• Panels detailing lives and works of authors who stayed at the inn.
• Ornate wooden carvings from the Rokkakudo building.
• Special exhibitions on Gamagori, Takeshima, and hotel history.

Address

愛知県蒲郡市竹島町15-62 Map

Official site

ubkinenkan.com

Read more about Seaside Literary Memorial

Nagoya City Museum: explore Owari history and cultural heritage, reopening in 2028.

What it is

• A history museum in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Opened October 1, 1977.
• Celebrates Nagoya City's population exceeding 2 million.
• Focuses on materials up to the Edo period.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition of Owari history.
• Historical materials from the Owari region.
• Cultural heritage displays.
• Hosa Bunko and Hideyoshi Kiyomasa Memorial Museum annexes.
• Japanese garden with underground water plant.

When to go

• Pre-opening exhibition: September 5 to November 1, 2026.
• Grand opening scheduled for April 15, 2028.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Sakurayama Station.

Address

愛知県名古屋市瑞穂区瑞穂通1-27-1 Map

Official site

www.museum.city.nagoya.jp

Read more about Nagoya City Museum

This museum, built by Toyota, showcases the company's history and art collection, making it worth visiting.

What it is

• Modernist hall built by Toyota Motor Corporation in 1974.
• Celebrates the manufacture of Toyota's 10 millionth vehicle.
• Public museum dedicated to Toyota Motor's history.
• Guesthouse for VIPs visiting company headquarters.

What to see

• Interactive history of Toyota Motor.
• Two working innovative looms by Toyoda Sakichi.
• Dioramas illustrating key points in Japanese automobile history.
• Model of Toyota's first factory from 1938.
• Two full-size Toyota cars.
• Art by domestic and international artists in Kuragaike Art Salon.

Getting there

• Located beside Kuragaike Park.

Official site

www.toyota.co.jp

Read more about Toyota Kuragaike Commemorative Hall

This sword museum within Atsuta Jingu shrine displays historic blades, including two giant tachi.

What it is

• A sword museum within Atsuta Jingu shrine grounds.
• Established to commemorate Emperor Naruhito's enthronement.
• Opened to the public on October 3, 2021.
• Atsuta Jingu enshrines the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword.

What to see

• Two large tachi swords are on permanent display.
• One tachi is "Sue-no-Aoe" (Tarōtachi), 221.5cm long.
• Another tachi is "Chiyozuru Kuniyasu" (Jirōtachi), 166.7cm long.
• Special exhibitions rotate swords from the shrine's collection.
• Visitors can touch replicas of sword mountings.

Getting there

• A 3-minute walk from Meitetsu Jingu-mae Station.

Official site

www.atsutajingu.or.jp

Read more about Treasure Trove of Swords Kusanagi-kan

Explore local history and battle artifacts at this free museum in Nagakute City.

What it is

• A museum in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Opened in 1985 as Nagakute Town Local History Museum.
• Located in Kosenjo Park, site of a historic battle.

What to see

• First floor has a terrain model and battle screen replicas.
• Second floor displays excavated artifacts and local documents.
• Exhibits armor and tools from battle and daily life.
• A glass art depicts the Battle of Waterloo.
• An attached archery range is a field activity facility.

When to go

• Admission is free.
• Temporarily closed from June 1, 2019.
• Reopening is scheduled for fiscal year 2022.

Official site

www.city.nagakute.lg.jp

Read more about Nagakute Historical Museum

A modern art museum in Kiyosu City, showcasing local and open-call art, worth visiting for unique exhibitions.

What it is

• A public art museum in Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Opened in April 1999 as Haruhi Art Museum.
• Renamed Kiyosu City Haruhi Art Museum in 2009.
• Part of Kiyosu City Yumehiroba Haruhi.

What to see

• Exhibitions related to local artists.
• Exhibitions related to open call submissions.
• Unique special exhibitions.
• The Kiyosu City Haruhi Painting Triennale.

When to go

• Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
• The Painting Triennale is held every three years.

Getting there

• About a 20-minute walk from JR Kiyosu Station.

Address

愛知県清須市春日夢の森1番地 Map

Official site

www.museum-kiyosu.jp

Read more about Kiyosu City Haruhi Art Museum

Seto City Art Museum showcases local ceramics and art, offering a glimpse into the region's creative heritage.

What it is

• A municipal museum in Seto City.
• Opened on October 1, 1982.
• Located within the Seto City Cultural Center.
• Designated a museum equivalent facility in 2013.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition room displays ceramics.
• Three special exhibition rooms.
• About 1000 works by local artists.
• Works include ceramics, paintings, and sculptures.

When to go

• Special exhibition room 1 holds six exhibitions annually.

Getting there

• 13-minute walk from Owari Seto Station.
• About 10 minutes by car from Seto Akatsu IC.

Address

愛知県瀬戸市西茨町113-3 Map

Official site

www.seto-cul.jp

Read more about Seto City Art Museum

Explore a unique museum dedicated to the history of Japanese public baths, offering free admission.

What it is

• An exhibition facility about public baths.
• Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Aichi Public Bath Association.
• Located on the second floor of the association's office.

What to see

• Eighty items from defunct public baths are exhibited.
• Exhibits include bath tubs, mirrors, and massage chairs.
• The space is a Japanese-style room.
• Can badges of the official character "Okeo" are sold.

When to go

• Open 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and Saturdays.

Getting there

• Accessible by foot from Tsurumai Station.

Read more about Aichi Sento Museum

A university museum in Kasugai City, displaying global ethnology and Silk Road artifacts.

What it is

• A museum within Chubu University.
• Opened on April 26, 2011.
• Established by renovating part of the university library.

What to see

• The Silk Road Room displays 700 coin collections.
• The Silk Road Room displays Bamiyan mural reproductions.
• Regional research area shows Oceania, Asia, America, Africa, Europe materials.
• Special exhibitions are held twice a year.

When to go

• Open 9:30 to 16:30.
• Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Getting there

• Accessible by school bus from JR Jinryo Station.

Official site

www3.chubu.ac.jp

Read more about Museum of Ethnology Art, Chubu University

Explore Chita's history and culture through its unique folk tools and award-winning architecture.

What it is

• A museum in Chita City, known as Futory Chita.
• Collects and exhibits materials on Chita's history and culture.
• Predecessor was Chita Town Folk Museum, founded before 1970.
• Renovated and renamed in 1999.

What to see

• Chita Peninsula fishing tools, a national cultural property.
• Chita cotton production tools, a prefectural cultural property.
• Fujii Maru boat, a city cultural property.
• Exhibition building, completed in 1978.
• Building received the 7th Aichi Machinami Architectural Award.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 17:00.

Address

愛知県知多市緑町12-2 Map

Official site

www.city.chita.lg.jp

Read more about Chita City Museum

See glass art and a giant kaleidoscope at this museum in Nishio City.

What it is

• A private museum in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Founded by glass artist Kazuhiko Kamiya.
• Opened in 2000 as a glass craft museum.

What to see

• Many works by Kazuhiko Kamiya.
• The giant kaleidoscope "Sphere."
• "Sphere" was Guinness certified in 2002.
• Glass craft workshops are available.
• Workshops include kaleidoscopes, stained glass, sandblasting.

When to go

• Open from 10:00 to 17:30.
• Closed on Mondays and the first Tuesday.

Getting there

• Take Meitetsu Bus to Kami-Yada Kita bus stop.

Address

愛知県西尾市富山町東郷5 Map

Official site

mikawakougei.com

Read more about Mikawakougei Glass Art Museum

Explore Yamato-e art and traditional culture in a former family residence, conveniently located in Nagoya.

What it is

• Opened in 1988, a museum of Yamato-e art.
• Former residence of the Morimura family.
• Dedicated to works by Morimura Yoshine and his family.

What to see

• View Yamato-e art and other artworks.
• See tea ceremony utensils.
• Explore a Japanese-style room.
• Visit the San-i-an tea room.
• Relax at the art cafe on the first floor.

When to go

• Open Wednesday to Sunday.
• Adult admission is 800 yen, includes tea.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Sakae Station.
• 3-minute walk from Hisaya-odori Station.

Address

〒461-0005　愛知県名古屋市東区東桜1-10-18 Map

Official site

morimuramuseum.com

Read more about Morimura Museum of Yamato-e Art

Tokoname Tounomori is a cultural facility preserving and displaying Tokoname pottery heritage.

What it is

• A cultural facility in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Opened in 2012, integrating a museum and research institute.
• Dedicated to Tokoname pottery production tools and products.
• Houses important cultural properties.

What to see

• Ceramic Research Institute building, completed in 1961.
• Institute building designed by Sutemi Horiguchi.
• Institute building is a registered tangible cultural property.
• 1,655 items of Tokoname pottery tools and products.

When to go

• Museum reopened on October 16, 2021, after renovation.

Official site

www.tokoname-tounomori.jp

Read more about Tokoname Tounomori

A modern museum in Tokoname dedicated to Sony co-founder Akio Morita and his wife.

What it is

• A memorial museum in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Akio Morita, co-founder of Sony, and his wife Yoshiko.
• Opened on July 18, 2020.
• Adjacent to the Suzukei Archives.

What to see

• Building designed as six stacked cubes.
• Five themed exhibition areas.
• Approximately 250 items related to the couple.
• A reproduced guest dining room from their home.

Getting there

• 15-minute taxi ride from Tokoname Station.
• 12-minute taxi ride from Chita Taketoyo Station.
• 7 minutes from Chita Hanto Road Taketoyo IC.

Read more about Akio Morita Library

A small museum preserving and showcasing the Hanamatsuri festival, with displays and performance space.

What it is

• A local museum in Toei-cho, Aichi Prefecture.
• Dedicated to preserving and transmitting the Hanamatsuri festival.
• Part of a complex with two other facilities.

What to see

• Displays of masks, costumes, and ritual tools.
• Video materials about the festival.
• A central hall with a stage and tiered seating.
• Performances can be demonstrated on the stage.

When to go

• Open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Getting there

• Take a bus from JR Iida Line Toei Station.
• A 10-minute walk from the Hongo bus stop.

Read more about Hanamatsuri Kaikan

This art museum showcases modern Japanese Western-style paintings and a literary annex.

What it is

• Established in 1983 by Kamiya Kounosuke.
• Founded to house Kamiya Kounosuke's art collection.
• Operates as a public interest incorporated foundation.

What to see

• Main building exhibits modern Japanese Western-style paintings.
• Annex is 'Nankichi's House', birthplace of Nankichi Niimi's mother.
• Annex storehouse contains 'Akai Tori' magazine and artworks.

When to go

• Open from 10 AM to 4 PM.
• Closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Getting there

• Main building is a 5-minute drive from Agui IC.

Address

愛知県半田市有脇町10-8-9 Map

Official site

www.kamiya-muse.or.jp

Read more about Kamiya Museum of Art

Explore a historic family's legacy in Nagoya, housed in a newly opened wooden museum.

What it is

• Historical archive museum dedicated to the Chiyokura family.
• Opened on November 4, 2023.
• Built by Uozu Shaji Komuten.
• The Chiyokura family has a history of about 400 years.

What to see

• Displays items from the Chiyokura family.
• The museum building is a wooden structure.
• Koyo-gura, built in 1891, is a cultural property.
• Naka-gura, built in 1893, is a cultural property.

When to go

• Four special exhibitions are held annually.

Getting there

• About a 4-minute walk from Narumi Station.

Address

〒458-0801　愛知県名古屋市緑区鳴海町相原町27 Map

Official site

chiyokura-rekishikan.com

Read more about Chiyokura Memorial Museum