Model courses that visit historical temples and shrinesGuided Private Tour to Meiji Mura from Nagoya
We are offering guided private tour service to Meiji Mura from Nagoya. If you are interested in the Meiji Mura tour, please contact us.
The Museum Meiji-mura, where historical monuments of the Meiji period are exhibited
The Museum Meiji-mura
Meiji-mura is one of Japan's best outdoor museums exhibiting various cultural assets of the Meiji period, including the ten important cultural assets.
Meiji period, which started in 1868, is the time when Japan ended its seclusion policy, Sakoku, and started adopting European and American cultures and institutions to build a foundation of a modern country. Architecture of Meiji period is based on the traditional wooden structure technology, while it also reflects Western techniques and materials.
Vehicles available in Meiji-mura
Steam locomotive (SL), Kyoto city tram, and the village bus are convenient to travel within the Meiji-mura.
Tickets
Single ride: 500 yen each (300 yen for elementary school student). However for the bus, the ticket can be used for multiple rides.
One-day pass: 1,200 yen (800 yen for elementary school student). You can ride all vehicles without any limitation.
Old Locmotive in Museum Meiji-Mura (Meiji Village Mueum)100 year old locomotive is in motion in the Meiji Village Museum. Meiji Village Museum is located in Inuyama CIty.
Posted by Nagoya Guided Private Tours, Sightseeing and Experience on 2015年10月29日
Steam locomotive
You can get on the actual steam locomotive which was used during the Meiji period. At the station, there is a chance to see how the SL is being connected to the passenger car. It does not travel fast, but is worthwhile riding the vigorous train which emits steam.
There are two SLs that run in the park. Vehicle 12 was imported from England in 1874. Vehicle 9 which was manufactured in the U.S. in 1912, and started running in Shizuoka prefecture from the following year. Then, it operated between Shinbashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama, and later served in Ichinomiya city, Aichi prefecture.
Old tram car in Museum Meiji-Mura (Meiji Village Mueum)Old tram car, once used in Kyoto, is on the move in the Museum Meiji-Mura (Meiji Village Mueum).
Posted by Nagoya Guided Private Tours, Sightseeing and Experience on 2015年10月29日
Kyoto city tram
It is a city tram which was manufactured during the Meiji period. You will enjoy the retro-style atmosphere. Just like in the old days, the station staff announces that a tram is passing at crossings. Since the route passes along slopes and beside the lake, it is nice to observe how the view from the tram changes.
Village bus
An antique style bus that runs throughout the Museum Meiji-mura.
The ticket allows you to get on and off the bus freely throughout the day. It helps you look around the museum efficiently.
Diverse historical architecture
A lot of buildings constructed during the Meiji period disappeared due to earthquakes, World War II, and the post-war development projects accompanied by the country's rapid economic growth. Historically and artistically valuable architecture of those days was brought to the museum for conservation. Many of the buildings which were transferred are Japan's important cultural assets.
The Museum Meiji-mura is very big, therefore it is divided into five different areas starting from 1 cho-me up to 5 cho-me.
House of Mori Ogai and Natsume Soseki (1 cho-me)
A house which was rented by Mori Ogai and Natsume Soseki, the great writers of the Meiji period. It is a typical middle-class family Japanese house, and you will notice that it was the transition period of Japanese housings to make a shift to the modern style.
Shinbashi Factory of the Japan Railway Bureau (1 cho-me)
It exhibits a special royal passenger car prepared for the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Traditional ornaments and gorgeous furniture fascinate visitors.
Tomatsu House (2 cho-me / Important cultural asset)
A merchant house which used to stand in the center of Nagoya.
In the old days, tax was imposed according to the entrance space. That is why you will notice that the entrance is narrow, but it is spacious as you go inside.
Join the architecture guide tour (15 minutes) to get to see the complex room structures and secret doors. You will be amazed by the technology and skills of the carpenters of those days!
"Zagyo-so", Villa of Prince Saionji Kinmochi (3 cho-me)
This house was built for a Prime Minister during the Meiji period to relax and do fishing after retirement. Each room is equipped with an emergency bell and there is even a small emergency exit in the bathroom. These were made to protect the VIP.
Kureha-za Theater (4 cho-me / Important cultural asset)
A theater house which succeeds the traditional architecture of Edo period. Try to sit in one of the Masu-seki (audience seats) which are divided into blocks, to feel how it was in the old days.
Uji-yamada Post Office (4 cho-me / Important cultural asset)
The post office is still in operation. The old historical post boxes that are shown in the exhibition room are also interesting.
Kikunoya Sake Brewery (5 cho-me)
A Saké brewery with a Japanese style tile-roofing. The brewing method and tools used for making Saké are displayed.
Main Entrance Hall and Lobby, Imperial Hotel (5 cho-me)
The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the great American architect of the 20th century, and was completed in 1923 after a four-year construction period. It is often used as a shooting place for dramas and TV ads. The center of the main lobby has a three-story hall. There is a coffee shop on the 2nd floor to relax and enjoy the ambience. (Closed on weekdays between December 1 and end of February [excluding the New Year's Holiday].)
A vast nature that surrounds the museum
A lot of beautiful nature remains inside the premises of Meiji-mura. Having a picnic on the lawn would surely be fun. Iruka-ike lake which is in a nearby distance can also be observed. The lake which is 16 kilometer around is an artificial storage reservoir for agricultural use. Quite big for a reservoir.
Gourmet and souvenirs
Roman-tei (5 cho-me)
A western style restaurant which serves rice-omelet and curry and rice, one of the popular menus (From 900 yen each). Special seasonal menus related to the great figures of the Meiji period are also offered. (English menu available)
Kuidouraku Café (4 cho-me)
The "Rice omelet burger" (500 yen when ordered separate. 800 yen when ordered as a set) is the restaurant's bestselling menu. It is a dish combining the "rice omelet" and "ground-meat steak", which appear in "Kuidouraku" a popular novel during the Meiji period.
Gyunabe Oi Gyuniku-ten
Sukiyaki is one of the leading Japanese cuisines which was invented during the Meiji period. Try the authentic Sukiyaki here using fine quality Japanese beef and plenty of fresh vegetables. (From 4,100 yen)
Curry-stuffed bread
Why not try the croquette (180 yen) and curry-stuffed bread (260 yen) which are food made by arranging the recipe introduced in the famous Meiji novel "Kuidouraku"?
Raku, Japanese sundries shop (4 cho-me)
The store deals with small Japanese goods, accessories, and ceramic products. The Tenugui towels, small-sized Furoshiki cloth and handkerchiefs (500 yen to 1,000 yen per piece) are available in different designs and colors. The Arimatsu Shibori tie-dyeing products, traditional art craft of Nagoya are also popular. (If you like to visit Arimatsu, see this page.)
Paper craft kit at the SL Tokyo Station Kiosk
This is a paper craft kit of the Meiji-mura's steam locomotive. You can also find the Kyoto city tram version. They are available at the SL Tokyo Station Kiosk.
Dress-up program and play area
Traditional costumes
At the Haikara Isho-kan (costume house) in the 2 cho-me district, you can try on the Yagasuri and other Hakama costumes, and take pictures (800 yen). Rental costumes are only for 5 minutes.
Plays of good old days
Experience the Japanese archery at the "Yaba" and shooting game, "Shateki". (At the 4-chome district. 300 yen for each play. *Only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between March and October.)
If you are interested in our tour guide programs, please contact us from this page.