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The Weird and Wonderful: Exploring Tokyo's Most Unusual Museums
Tokyo is a city where the ultramodern and the offbeat coexist in perfect harmony. For the curious souls who thrive on the weird, the quirky, and the downright bizarre, this metropolis is a playground of eccentric experiences. Forget the typical tourist stops—let's be real, we’re not here for just temples and shopping malls. Instead, Tokyo’s hidden treasure lies in its strange museums that celebrate everything from parasites to samurai warriors.
1. Meguro Parasitological Museum: A Journey into the World of Parasites
Tucked away in the quieter Meguro district is a museum dedicated entirely to parasites. Yes, you read that correctly: parasites! The Meguro Parasitological Museum, the only one of its kind in the world, takes you on a journey through the fascinating, if somewhat unsettling, world of parasitology.
Founded in 1953 by Dr. Satoru Kamegai, this museum houses over 60,000 parasite specimens, though only about 300 are on display at any given time. The star attraction? A 8.8-meter-long tapeworm that was once living inside a human host! You’ll also find various other parasites displayed in jars, alongside educational diagrams that explain how these creepy-crawlies infect humans and animals.
As strange as it may seem, the Meguro Parasitological Museum is a great spot for those interested in science, medicine, or the grotesque side of nature. Don’t forget to pick up a parasite-themed souvenir, like a tapeworm keychain, from the gift shop!
Pro Tip: The museum is free to enter, though donations are appreciated. Just be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach).
Location: 4 Chome-1-1 Kamiosaki, Meguro City, Tokyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
2. Shitamachi Tanabata Museum: A Nostalgic Look at Tokyo's Old Festivals
While Tokyo is known for its modernity, the city’s older "shitamachi" (downtown) areas still retain some of the charm of bygone eras. The Shitamachi Tanabata Museum offers a glimpse into the old-fashioned festivals that used to dominate these areas, particularly focusing on the Tanabata Festival.
Tanabata, also known as the "Star Festival," celebrates the meeting of two star-crossed lovers, and is traditionally marked with colorful streamers and paper decorations. This small museum is filled with these handmade decorations, many dating back several decades. You’ll also find displays on how Tokyo’s working-class neighborhoods celebrated other festivals, offering a charming slice of life from Japan's past.
The museum often holds workshops where you can try making your own Tanabata decorations or learn more about the city’s festival culture. It's a quaint, nostalgic experience, perfect for visitors who want to see Tokyo beyond its sleek, futuristic veneer.
Location: 2 Chome-18-3 Kamezawa, Sumida City, TokyoRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)
3. Tobacco and Salt Museum: A Strange Pairing with a Fascinating History
At first glance, tobacco and salt might seem like an odd combination for a museum. However, the Tobacco and Salt Museum offers surprisingly rich insights into two commodities that have played pivotal roles in Japan’s economy and culture.
Opened in 1978 and now located in Sumida, this museum traces the history of tobacco in Japan, from its introduction by European traders in the 16th century to its modern-day consumption. The salt exhibit, meanwhile, delves into the history of salt production in Japan and its role in food preservation, religious ceremonies, and trade.
The museum features a wide variety of tobacco-related paraphernalia, such as antique pipes, ashtrays, and vintage cigarette packages. Visitors can also learn about the global history of salt, with interactive exhibits explaining its importance in ancient civilizations.
While neither tobacco nor salt may seem particularly exotic on their own, the museum does a great job of showcasing the often overlooked but fascinating impact of these everyday items on Japanese society.
Location: 1-16-3 Yokokawa, Sumida City, Tokyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5)
4. Tokyo Trick Art Museum: Enter a World of Optical Illusions
Ever wanted to walk through a painting, become part of an artwork, or experience mind-bending illusions? Then the Tokyo Trick Art Museum is the place for you. Located in the Decks Tokyo Beach shopping complex in Odaiba, this museum offers a fun and interactive experience that challenges your perception of reality.
The museum is filled with 3D optical illusions, paintings, and installations designed to trick your eyes and confuse your brain. You’ll encounter rooms where the floor seems to drop away beneath your feet, paintings that follow you as you move, and scenes that make you feel like you're walking on air. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the exhibits, posing for photos in ways that make them appear as though they’re part of the artwork.
The Trick Art Museum is a great destination for families and Instagram enthusiasts alike, offering plenty of photo opportunities and endless fun. It’s a lighthearted, whimsical experience that contrasts with Tokyo’s more serious, highbrow art museums.
Location: Decks Tokyo Beach, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
5. Japan's Toy Museum: A Treasure Trove for Kids and Nostalgic Adults
Step into a world of nostalgia at the Tokyo Toy Museum, located in a converted elementary school in Shinjuku. This charming museum celebrates both traditional and modern Japanese toys, making it a favorite spot for families and anyone interested in Japanese pop culture.
The museum features over 10,000 toys, ranging from simple wooden creations to intricate mechanical wonders. Many of the toys are designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to play with them and relive the joy of childhood. You’ll find traditional Japanese toys, like kokeshi dolls and spinning tops, alongside toys from around the world.
What makes the Tokyo Toy Museum particularly special is its focus on play as an important cultural and educational activity. Workshops and play sessions are regularly held, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with the exhibits. For those interested in the history of toys or simply looking to indulge their inner child, this museum is a must-visit.
Location: 4-20 Yotsuya, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
6. Ramen Museum: A Deliciously Strange Culinary Experience
Few foods are as synonymous with Japan as ramen, and the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (located just outside of Tokyo) is a pilgrimage site for noodle lovers. While this museum may not be strange in the grotesque sense, its concept of merging a historical exhibit with a food court is certainly unusual.
More than just a collection of ramen-related artifacts, this museum recreates a 1958 Tokyo street, the year instant ramen was invented. Visitors can explore the atmospheric, retro-style alleys while sampling different ramen varieties from famous shops across Japan. Each ramen stall represents a different region of Japan, showcasing the incredible diversity of this beloved dish.
Along with the historical displays, the museum provides an educational look at ramen's origins, evolution, and its rise to global popularity. You can even try your hand at making your own instant ramen noodles! For any foodie, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is an unmissable stop.
Pro Tip: If you're visiting with a group or want to try several types of ramen, order the mini bowls at each shop to sample more varieties without filling up too quickly.
Location: 2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
7. The Cup Noodles Museum: An Ode to Instant Noodles
For another unique noodle experience, head to the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, just a short trip from Tokyo. This quirky museum is dedicated to the history of instant noodles and their inventor, Momofuku Ando, who created the first instant ramen in 1958.
The museum takes visitors through the invention and evolution of Cup Noodles, showcasing the global impact of this revolutionary food product. One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to design your very own custom Cup Noodles – from choosing the ingredients to creating the packaging.
The interactive exhibits, such as the Cup Noodles Factory and the Instant Noodles Tunnel (which displays over 3,000 different noodle packages), make this a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Location: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)
8. The Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum: A Deep Dive into Tokyo's Plumbing
If you've ever wondered how Tokyo’s massive water system functions, the Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum is for you. This lesser-known gem in the Bunkyo ward provides a surprisingly captivating look at the development of the city's water supply system, from the Edo period to modern times.
The museum is set in a former water supply building, and the exhibits trace the evolution of water technology in Japan. You’ll see old wooden pipes, water meters, and displays explaining how the city managed water during its rapid expansion in the 20th century. The museum even has a replica of an Edo-era aqueduct, showcasing the ingenuity of historical Japanese engineers.
It may not be the flashiest museum in Tokyo, but the Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum offers a unique perspective on how the city manages one of its most essential resources.
Location: 2 Chome-7-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)
9. Mujirushi Ryohin's Found Museum: A Museum of Everyday Objects
Known for its minimalist design and eco-friendly products, Muji (Mujirushi Ryohin) runs a small but fascinating museum inside its flagship store in Yurakucho. The Muji Found Museum showcases everyday objects from around the world, celebrating the simplicity and beauty of common household items.
The objects displayed range from rustic handmade brooms and old scissors to worn-out sandals and pottery. The museum’s goal is to highlight the craftsmanship and function of these objects, many of which might otherwise be overlooked in daily life.
It’s a perfect stop for fans of Muji’s aesthetic and philosophy, offering a deeper understanding of the brand's ethos.
Location: 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5)
10. The Shinjuku Samurai Museum: Step Into Japan's Warrior Past
For a thrilling dive into Japan's feudal era, head to the Shinjuku Samurai Museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the samurai. Located in the bustling heart of Shinjuku, this museum offers an engaging glimpse into the life, culture, and legacy of Japan's legendary warriors.
The Samurai Museum features an impressive collection of authentic armor, swords, helmets, and other relics from the samurai period.
Location: 2 Chome-25-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
After reading this, Step away from the mainstream and dive into Tokyo's quirky subculture—you never know what strange, wonderful things you’ll discover.
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