From Anime To Artefacts, 10 Unique Museums In Tokyo

Waquar Habib

Ghibli Museum

This museum is devoted to the works of Studio Ghibli and provides an insight into the animation process and brilliance of Hayao Miyazaki and his team. A noteworthy exhibit is the Catbus from "My Neighbour Totoro," an interactive display allowing visitors to climb aboard and explore.

Characters from the Ghibli universe | Shutterstock

Currency Museum

The Currency Museum showcases the history of the country's currency from the 12th century to the 19th century. Visitors can see various items, including Edo-era gold bullions, occupation-era notes and Thai leech coins.

The building of the Currency Museum | Shutterstock

Tokyo Trick Art Museum

This museum showcases interactive optical illusions and trick art that allow visitors to become part of the artwork and create unforgettable photo opportunities. A notable exhibit is the gravity-defying room where visitors can walk on walls and ceilings.

Inside the Tokyo Trick Art Museum | omametachi0728/instagram

Meguro Parasitological Museum

This museum was opened in 1953 to raise awareness about the dangers of parasites in post-war Japan. It displays 300 parasite samples from a collection of 45,000 and an 8.8m tapeworm on the second floor. The museum gift shop sells keyrings with preserved parasites.

Inside the Meguro Parasitological Museum | Wikimedia Commons

Suginami Animation Museum

This museum showcases Japanese animation history and techniques with exhibits of famous anime. Notable exhibits include original animation cells and production materials from iconic anime such as "Astro Boy" and "Spirited Away."

A stamp printed in Japan shows Captain Atom, circa 2000 | Shutterstock

Kite Museum

This museum displays over 3,000 kites from the Edo era. One hundred kites are showcased, including Indonesian kites made from dried leaves, ones with samurai prints, and styrofoam kites.

Inside the Kite Museum, Tokyo | japonalternativo/instagram

Tobacco & Salt Museum

This museum showcases tobacco and salt, which were once government monopolies. The exhibit features the plant's history and culture, while the salt section features a 1.4-tonne rock salt piece and a UNESCO World Heritage site replica.

Inside the Tobacco & Salt Museum | Tobacco & Salt Museum

Tokyo Toy Museum

This museum is a haven for toy enthusiasts of all ages. It has an extensive collection of vintage and modern toys from Japan and other parts of the world. The museum's notable exhibit is a life-sized model train set with miniature landscapes and buildings.

Inside the Tokyo Toy Museum | Shutterstock

Bunshin Tattoo Museum

Curated by Horiyoshi III, the Bunshin collection explores Japanese tattooing's culture, history, and contemporary state. Despite societal shifts fueling negative perceptions, this collection challenges such biases, illuminating tattoo history.

The art of Japanese tattoos | Shutterstock

Tokyo Metro Museum

This is an interactive museum that showcases historical and modern trains and offers immersive train simulators for visitors to experience being a train conductor. The museum shop has subway-themed souvenirs.

Inside the Tokyo Metro Museum | Wikimedia Commons

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