20 Museums in Shizuoka worth your time

A free archaeological museum in a former school lunch center displaying 300 excavated items including ancient pottery and burial replicas.

What it is

• An archaeological facility opened in 2014 within a former school lunch center.
• The center displays approximately 300 excavated items from the local Shizuoka area.
• It serves as a storage and exhibition space for regional historical artifacts.
• Admission to the facility is free for all visitors.

What to see

• A collection of Mineta, Shiraiwa, and Kikugawa style pottery.
• A replica of a mirror found at the Otsuka Mound site.
• An exhibition room featuring hundreds of items recovered from local excavations.
• The repurposed architecture of a 912 square meter former municipal building.

When to go

• Open on weekdays from 8:15 to 17:00.
• Closed on weekends, public holidays, and during the New Year period.

Getting there

• The center is an eight-minute walk from the Hirata bus stop.

Official site

www.city.kikugawa.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Kikugawa City Archaeological Heritage Center

A free public relations museum for the Air Self-Defense Force featuring historic aircraft, flight simulators, and a dome theater.

What it is

• A public relations facility for the Air Self-Defense Force opened in April 1999.
• The site is located adjacent to the JASDF Hamamatsu Air Base.
• The museum consists of an exhibition hall and a large hangar.
• Admission to the entire facility is free of charge.

What to see

• The world's last produced F-4EJ Phantom II fighter jet is on display.
• A flight simulator and a dome theater are available for visitors.
• Visitors can try on authentic flight suits and helmets.
• Various aircraft and equipment are housed within the exhibition hangar.

When to go

• The facility is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00.
• The museum is closed every Monday and the last Tuesday of each month.

Getting there

• The site is accessible by bus from JR Hamamatsu Station.

Read more about Hamamatsu Air Park

Explore local history and ancient bronze bells at this museum, a short walk from Kiga Station.

What it is

• A museum in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Opened in 1980, renamed in 2005.
• A branch of the Hamamatsu City Museum.
• Dedicated to Himekaido, dotaku, and rush grass production.

What to see

• Exhibits on the Himekaido road.
• Dotaku (bronze bells) excavated locally.
• Materials about rush grass production.
• Dotaku from Maehara ruins, a prefectural cultural property.
• Dotaku from Takimine Saishirodani ruins, a prefectural cultural property.
• Former Yamase family's Koya, a prefectural cultural property.

Getting there

• 7-minute walk from Kiga Station.

Official site

www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Hamamatsu City Himekaidō and Dōtaku Historical Tradition Museum

See Japanese swords, ceramics, and a traditional garden at this private museum.

What it is

• Private museum in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Established in 1966 by Ryuichi Sano.
• Operated by the Sano Art Museum Public Interest Foundation.
• Known for its collection of Japanese swords.

What to see

• Japanese swords, ceramics, bronzeware, and paintings.
• Ryusen-en, a Japanese garden on the grounds.
• Main gate and Japanese house in Ryusen-en are cultural properties.
• Nagamitsu naginata from Bizen Province is a national treasure.
• Kunimitsu tanto is an important cultural property.

When to go

• Tonbokiri spear exhibited several times a year.

Address

静岡県三島市中田町1-43 Map

Official site

www.sanobi.or.jp

Read more about Sano Art Museum

This museum protects Mt. Fuji, offering unique architecture and insights into its natural and cultural significance.

What it is

• A museum in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• A base for Mt. Fuji's protection, preservation, and maintenance.
• Established based on the World Heritage Convention.
• Has academic research functions.

What to see

• Exterior features a 'reverse Fuji' design.
• Cypress wood lattice reflects Fuji's water circulation.
• A torii gate stands in the water basin.
• Building designed by Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban.

Getting there

• 8-minute walk from JR Minobu Line Fujinomiya Station.
• 36 minutes by bus from JR Shinkansen Shin-Fuji Station.

Address

〒418-0067 静岡県富士宮市宮町5-12 Map

Official site

mtfuji-whc.jp

Read more about Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka

Explore Hamamatsu's history, from Jomon to modern, at this museum next to a shell mound.

What it is

• A municipal museum in Hamamatsu City.
• Introduces historical materials from the Hamamatsu region.
• Opened in 1958 as Hamamatsu City Local Museum.
• Relocated and changed its name in 1979.

What to see

• Permanent and special exhibition rooms.
• Adjacent to the Shijimizuka Shell Mound.
• Archaeological materials from Babahira Kofun.
• Ancient writing materials from Iba ruins.
• Waniuchi, a designated cultural property.

When to go

• Open 9 AM to 5 PM.

Getting there

• About 3 kilometers west of Hamamatsu Station.

Address

静岡県浜松市蜆塚4-22-1 Map

Official site

www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Hamamatsu City Museum

Learn about Russian-Japanese history and local shipbuilding, plus deep-sea creatures, at this unique museum.

What it is

• A museum established on July 1, 1969.
• Dedicated to the Russian warship Diana and substitute ship Heda.
• Registered as a museum by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1970.
• Renamed Numazu City Heda Shipbuilding Museum in 2005.

What to see

• Exhibits about the Russian warship Diana.
• Exhibits about the substitute ship Heda.
• Exhibits about Admiral Yevfimiy Putyatin.
• A model of the Diana, acquired after the Osaka Expo.
• A model of the Heda, designated Modern Industrial Heritage.
• Suruga Bay Deep Sea Fish Museum is an attached facility.

Official site

www.city.numazu.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Heda Shipbuilding Museum

Explore Yaizu's rich fishing heritage, from Edo-period documents to a life-size fishing boat.

What it is

• Museum operated by the Yaizu Fishery Cooperative.
• Opened in 1979 for the cooperative's 30th anniversary.
• Introduces Yaizu's fishing history and culture.

What to see

• Life-size bonito fishing boat bridge on the first floor.
• Relocated Meiji era fisherman's house on the first floor.
• Fishing tools and Edo period documents on the second floor.
• Valuable documents about bonito fishing.

When to go

• Closed on Sundays and holidays.

Getting there

• 7-minute walk from Yaizu Station East Exit.

Official site

www.yaizu-gyokyo.or.jp

Read more about Yaizu Fishery Museum

A municipal art museum in Hamamatsu, showcasing diverse Asian and Western art.

What it is

• A municipal museum founded in July 1971.
• Commemorates the 60th anniversary of Hamamatsu city.
• Located within Hamamatsu Castle Park.

What to see

• Two exhibition rooms.
• Modern and contemporary Western and Japanese paintings.
• Folk paintings, including glass paintings and Ukiyo-e.
• Chinese and Korean ceramics, gilt bronze, and stone Buddhas.
• "Embroidered Fudo Myoo and Two Attendants Hanging Scroll."
• The scroll is an Important Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 12-minute walk from Hamamatsu Station.

Address

静岡県浜松市中区松城町100-1 Map

Official site

www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Hamamatsu Municipal Museum of Art

A museum dedicated to Serizawa Keisuke's art and folk crafts, housed in an award-winning building.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to artist Serizawa Keisuke.
• Opened in 1981 in Toro Park.
• Exhibits his works and folk art items.

What to see

• The museum building, Sekisui-kan, designed by Shirai Seiichi.
• Building received the Public Architecture Award in 1988.
• Building selected for Top 100 Public Buildings in 1998.
• Ten exhibition rooms display about 800 works.
• About 4500 folk art items are housed here.
• Serizawa Keisuke's house, relocated in 1987.

Getting there

• Take Shizutetsu Bus from JR Shizuoka Station.

Address

〒422-8033　静岡県静岡市駿河区登呂5-10-5 Map

Official site

www.seribi.jp

Read more about Shizuoka City Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum

Explore Mishima's history and culture for free at this museum, a short walk from the station.

What it is

• A history museum in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Opened in 1971.
• Located within Mishima City Park Rakujuen.
• Admission is free.

What to see

• Three-story museum building.
• Special exhibition room on the first floor.
• Folk materials exhibition room on the second floor.
• History and archaeology exhibition room on the third floor.
• Artifacts excavated from Mishima City ruins.
• Materials on Mishima's industry, culture, and history.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from JR Mishima Station South Exit.

Address

静岡県三島市一番町19-3　楽寿園内 Map

Official site

www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Mishima City Local Museum

See modern Japanese art and architecture at this museum before it closes in 2026.

What it is

• A museum in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Established in 1978.
• It will close on July 4, 2026.

What to see

• Paintings, sculptures, and crafts are in the core collection.
• The building was designed by Shinsuke Takamiya and Yoshio Taniguchi.
• The building won the Architectural Institute of Japan Award in 1980.
• The exterior and outdoor sculptures can be viewed after closing.
• Shiseido Corporate Museum is on the same premises.

Getting there

• About 5 minutes by taxi from JR Kakegawa Station.

Read more about Shiseido Art House

Public art museum in Kakegawa, showcasing craftworks, modern Japanese paintings, and local history.

What it is

• A public art museum in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Established in April 1998.
• Founded on the Kinoshita and Suzuki Collections.
• Operated by the Kakegawa City Cultural Foundation.

What to see

• Kinoshita Collection: about 2,000 craftworks, including tobacco implements.
• Suzuki Collection: modern Japanese paintings, donated in 1979.
• Works by artists Taikan Yokoyama and Gyokudo Kawai.
• Exhibits on local history and contemporary artists.

Getting there

• Located near Kakegawa Castle.

Read more about Kakegawa Ninomaru Museum of Art

Izunokuni History Museum, opening in 2026, offers a deep dive into local history and cultural experiences.

What it is

• A municipal historical museum and cultural property exhibition facility.
• Also known as Izushiru.
• Opened on May 31, 2026.
• Dedicated to local history and cultural properties.

What to see

• Exhibition spaces for local history.
• Displays on Kitaema Yokoana Group and Yamaki Ruins.
• Features Niyama Castle and Egawa Hidetatsu historical sites.
• Hands-on corner for excavated artifacts.
• Tourist information space.
• Observation terrace.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Nirayama Station.

Address

静岡県伊豆の国市四日町800-1 Map

Official site

www.city.izunokuni.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Izunokuni History Museum

Explore Fujieda's history and unique Seto Colored Rice at this free museum on an ancient embankment.

What it is

• A historical material exhibition facility.
• Operated by Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Introduces the city's history and culture.
• Located on the ruins of Sengan Embankment, built around 1635.

What to see

• Exhibits materials related to Seto Colored Rice.
• Replica of a woodblock print is exhibited.
• Old photos of Sengan Embankment are displayed.
• A preserved section of Sengan Embankment is on site.

When to go

• Admission is free.
• Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.

Official site

www.city.fujieda.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Sengan Embankment / Seto Colored Rice Folk Museum

Explore a historic house and learn about traditional calendar printing.

What it is

• A museum in a renovated historic house.
• Dedicated to the Kawai family, publishers of the Mishima Calendar.
• Registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property on October 18, 2006.

What to see

• Exhibits of Mishima Calendar woodblocks and materials.
• The house rebuilt after the Ansei earthquake.
• Materials from Jurigi Sekisho used in reconstruction.
• Workshops for printing Mishima Calendar.

Getting there

• 10-minute bus ride from Mishima Station.
• 300m east of Mishima Taisha Shrine.

Read more about House of Mishima Lunar Calendar Publisher

Explore Mt. Fuji's history and Princess Kaguya legend at this museum in Fuji City.

What it is

• A municipal museum in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Focuses on history and culture of people near Mt. Fuji.
• Highlights the legend of Princess Kaguya.
• Opened in 1981, nicknamed in 2016.

What to see

• Outdoor exhibition of historical buildings.
• Old Inagaki Family Residence, a cultural property.
• History and Folklore Museum annex.
• Fujikawa Folklore Museum annex, a cultural property.

Getting there

• 20-minute drive from Fuji, Yoshiwara, or Shin-Fuji stations.

Address

静岡県富士市伝法66-2 Map

Official site

museum.city.fuji.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Mt. Fuji and Princess Kaguya Museum

Explore Fujieda's history and literature, set in a park with a preserved steam locomotive.

What it is

• A museum operated by Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• It combines a history museum and a literary museum.

What to see

• Reddish-brown brick exterior building.
• Artifacts from local archaeological sites.
• Exhibits on Fujieda's history, ancient to modern.
• Materials on writers Kunio Ogawa and Shizuo Fujieda.
• A preserved steam locomotive displayed outdoors.

Getting there

• Located within Rengejiike Park.
• 17-minute walk from Rengejiike Koen Iriguchi bus stop.

Read more about Fujieda City Provincial Museum and Literary Museum

Explore a historic building housing a museum dedicated to filmmaker Keisuke Kinoshita and architect Yoshimatsu Nakamura.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to filmmaker Keisuke Kinoshita.
• Located in the former Hamamatsu Bank Association building.
• Opened in 2001, relocated to this building in 2009.
• Also features architect Yoshimatsu Nakamura's work.

What to see

• The 1930 former Hamamatsu Bank Association building.
• Recreated study of Keisuke Kinoshita.
• Photos and movie posters in the second exhibition room.
• Screenings of Kinoshita's films in the art hall.
• 資料室 dedicated to architect Yoshimatsu Nakamura.

Official site

keisukemuseum.org

Read more about Keisuke Kinoshita Memorial Museum

Explore Numazu's Meiji history and the life of Soroku Ebara in a European-style building.

What it is

• Also known as the Ebara Soroku Memorial Museum.
• Introduces Soroku Ebara and Numazu's modern history.
• Opened October 1, 1984.
• Built on Soroku Ebara's family residence.

What to see

• European-style exterior, similar to the Rokumeikan.
• Portrait, photos, diary, and death mask of Soroku Ebara.
• Materials related to the Numazu Military School.
• Bust of Soroku Ebara, erected in 1993.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 16:30.
• Closed Mondays and the day after holidays.

Address

静岡県沼津市西熊堂372-1 Map

Official site

www.city.numazu.shizuoka.jp

Read more about Numazu City Archives of Meiji History