Osaka, Kyoto & More, 12 Japanese Sex & Outlandish Museums

The Sex Museum is number 9. Japan's cultural depth and inventive nature shine through its eclectic museum offerings. From the eccentric to the extraordinary, the nation boasts an impressive collection of distinctive exhibition venues, appealing to a wide range of fascinations. Let's explore 12 of Japan's most unconventional museums, each boasting its own unique allure.

1. Kaiyukan Aquarium (Osaka)

Kaiyukan Aquarium, located in Osaka, is one of Japan's most impressive and innovative aquariums. While technically an aquarium, its unique approach to exhibiting marine life makes it more akin to a living museum of the Pacific Rim ecosystems. Opened in 1990, Kaiyukan has established itself as a world-class facility dedicated to education, conservation, and research.

The aquarium's centerpiece is its massive Pacific Ocean tank, which holds 5,400 tons of water and is home to a variety of large marine species, including whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Visitors begin their journey on the 8th floor and spiral down around this central tank, exploring different habitats of the Pacific Rim along the way. Kaiyukan's exhibits are organized to recreate specific regions of the Pacific Rim, offering visitors a virtual tour of diverse marine environments.

These include the Japan Forest, showcasing the wildlife of Japanese streams and forests; the Aleutian Islands, featuring playful sea otters; the Antarctic, home to a colony of penguins; and the Great Barrier Reef, teeming with colorful tropical fish.

One of Kaiyukan's most unique features is its "Ring of Fire" exhibit, which showcases the diverse marine life found in the volcanic regions of the Pacific. This exhibit includes species from the deep sea, many of which are rarely displayed in aquariums due to the challenges of recreating their natural habitat.

In addition to its impressive displays, Kaiyukan is committed to marine conservation and research. The aquarium participates in breeding programs for endangered species and conducts research on marine ecosystems. Interactive exhibits and educational programs help visitors understand the importance of ocean conservation and the impact of human activities on marine environments.

Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/ 2. Yokai Street (Kyoto)

Yokai Street, located in the Ichijoji area of Kyoto, is a unique outdoor museum-like experience dedicated to yokai, the supernatural creatures of Japanese folklore. While not a traditional museum, this 400-meter shopping arcade, also known as Taishogun Shopping Street, offers visitors an immersive journey into the world of these mythical beings.

The street's association with yokai dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when it was believed to be the site of the "Hyakki Yagyō" or "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons." According to legend, this is where discarded tools and household items, having reached 100 years of age, would come to life and parade through the streets as yokai. Today, each shop along the street features its own handmade yokai statue or decoration, creating a whimsical and slightly eerie atmosphere.

These yokai range from the comical to the creepy, representing a wide variety of creatures from Japanese mythology. Visitors can explore the street, discovering these unique creations and learning about the stories behind different yokai. Many shops on Yokai Street sell yokai-themed products, including traditional crafts, modern artwork, and unique souvenirs.

Some cafes and restaurants in the area also offer yokai-inspired dishes and drinks, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the yokai experience. The street comes alive during the annual Ichijoji Yokai Festival, usually held in October. During this event, locals and visitors alike dress up as yokai and parade through the street, recreating the legendary Hyakki Yagyō.

The festival also features yokai-themed performances, food stalls, and a lively, carnival-like atmosphere. While Yokai Street may not have a dedicated website, its unique blend of folklore, art, and local culture makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring a different side of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.

3. Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum (Osaka)

The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka is a vibrant tribute to culinary innovation, dedicated to the inventor of instant noodles. Located in Ikeda City, the museum chronicles the remarkable journey of Momofuku Ando, who revolutionized global food culture by creating instant ramen in 1958.

Visitors can explore a meticulously reconstructed work shed where Ando developed his groundbreaking invention, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind instant noodles. The museum's interactive exhibits allow guests to experience the entire instant noodle production process, including a unique "My Cup Noodles" workshop where visitors can design and create personalized instant noodle packages.

Comprehensive displays trace the global impact of instant noodles, showcasing their role in emergency food supplies, space exploration, and international cuisine. The museum combines technological innovation, culinary history, and interactive experiences, making it an engaging destination for food enthusiasts, technology lovers, and curious visitors interested in understanding how a simple invention transformed global eating habits.

Website: https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/osaka/

4. Ghibli Park (Aichi Prefecture)

Ghibli Park, which opened in November 2022, is a unique theme park that serves as a living museum dedicated to the magical worlds created by Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio. Located within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, this park offers visitors an immersive experience into the beloved films of Hayao Miyazaki and his colleagues.

Unlike traditional amusement parks, Ghibli Park focuses on recreating the atmospheres and settings of various Ghibli films, allowing visitors to step directly into these fantastical worlds. The park is divided into five main areas, each themed after different Ghibli works or concepts.

The "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse" is the park's main indoor facility, housing a variety of exhibits, including artifacts and artwork from various Ghibli films. It also features the "Cinema Orion," which screens exclusive short films. The "Hill of Youth" area is inspired by "Whisper of the Heart" and "Howl's Moving Castle," featuring antique shops and other European-inspired architecture.

"Dondoko Forest" is a recreation of Satsuki and Mei's house from "My Neighbor Totoro," surrounded by lush greenery that captures the film's rural setting. The "Mononoke Village," based on "Princess Mononoke," immerses visitors in ancient Japan's mythical forest environment. Lastly, the "Valley of Witches" area brings to life scenes from "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Howl's Moving Castle."

Throughout the park, visitors can explore life-sized recreations of iconic Ghibli scenes, interact with familiar characters, and discover hidden details that bring the films to life. The park also emphasizes environmental consciousness, integrating its attractions with the existing natural landscape and promoting a message of harmony with nature, a recurring theme in many Ghibli works.

Website: https://ghibli-park.jp/en/

5. Namahage Museum (Akita Prefecture)

The Namahage Museum offers an immersive journey into one of Japan's most fascinating folkloric traditions. Located in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, the museum is dedicated to preserving and explaining the mysterious Namahage custom - a unique New Year's Eve ritual where masked individuals dressed as demon-like beings visit homes to encourage good behavior and discipline among children.

Visitors to the museum can explore comprehensive exhibits that delve into the origins, cultural significance, and historical evolution of the Namahage tradition. The museum showcases an extensive collection of authentic Namahage costumes, intricate masks, and historical artifacts that illustrate the rich cultural heritage of this centuries-old practice.

Interactive displays and multimedia presentations help visitors understand the deep spiritual and social meanings behind the Namahage ritual. The museum not only preserves a traditional custom but also serves as an educational center, helping visitors comprehend the complex relationship between folklore, community values, and cultural identity in rural Japanese society.

Through its carefully curated exhibits, the Namahage Museum provides a window into a unique aspect of Japanese cultural traditions that continues to fascinate both locals and international visitors.

Website: https://www.namahage-oga.akita.jp/

6. Miho Museum (Shiga Prefecture)

The Miho Museum represents a extraordinary fusion of architectural brilliance and artistic excellence. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum is a masterpiece that seamlessly integrates with its natural mountain surroundings in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture.

Inspired by the ancient Chinese literary work "The Peach Blossom Spring," the museum's design creates an ethereal journey for visitors. Approaching the museum is an experience in itself. Visitors walk through a cherry tree-lined path, pass through a stainless steel tunnel, and cross a bridge before arriving at the main building, which is dramatically nestled into the mountainside.

The architectural design mirrors the concept of a hidden, idyllic utopia, with approximately 80% of the museum's structure built underground to minimize environmental impact. The museum's collection, initiated by founder Mihoko Koyama, spans diverse cultural periods and geographical regions.

It features over 3,000 artifacts from civilizations including Egypt, Greece, Rome, and various Asian cultures. Only 250-500 pieces are displayed at any given time, ensuring a carefully curated experience. The museum's mission extends beyond art collection, aiming to promote beauty, peace, and joy through cultural understanding.

Website: https://www.miho.or.jp/en/

7. Otsuka Museum of Art (Tokushima)

The Otsuka Museum of Art represents a revolutionary approach to art preservation and accessibility. Located in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, this extraordinary museum houses the world's largest collection of ceramic reproductions of famous Western masterpieces.

Using advanced ceramic printing technology, the museum has created full-size, exact replicas of over 1,000 iconic artworks from various historical periods and artistic movements. Visitors can experience precise ceramic reproductions of paintings from renowned museums like the Louvre, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel.

The ceramic reproduction process ensures remarkable color fidelity and durability, allowing these artworks to be preserved indefinitely. Each piece is meticulously created using a specialized ceramic printing technique that captures intricate details and original color palettes with extraordinary precision.

The museum's unique approach allows visitors to view masterpieces from around the world without traveling internationally. Highlights include complete reproductions of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, and numerous works by impressionist and renaissance masters. The ceramic medium provides an unprecedented opportunity to examine artworks from perspectives impossible in traditional museums.

Website: https://o-museum.or.jp/en/

8. Omiya Bonsai Art Museum (Saitama)

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, located in Saitama City, is the world's first publicly run museum dedicated to the art of bonsai. Opened in 2010, this unique institution offers visitors a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and techniques of bonsai cultivation, showcasing some of the finest examples of this living art form.

The museum's collection features approximately 120 bonsai masterpieces, with about 50 on display at any given time. These miniature trees, some of which are hundreds of years old, represent a variety of styles and species, demonstrating the incredible diversity and artistry of bonsai.

The exhibits rotate seasonally, allowing visitors to appreciate the changing beauty of bonsai throughout the year. In addition to the bonsai displays, the museum houses an extensive collection of bonsai-related artifacts, including traditional pots, tools, and historical documents. These items provide context for the development of bonsai as both an art form and a cultural practice in Japan.

The museum also features exhibits on the history of the nearby Omiya Bonsai Village, a renowned center of bonsai cultivation that has attracted enthusiasts from around the world since the early 20th century. The museum's outdoor bonsai garden offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate these living sculptures in a natural setting. The garden is meticulously maintained to showcase the bonsai in their best light, with each tree carefully positioned to highlight its unique characteristics.

Educational programs and workshops are a key component of the museum's offerings. Visitors can participate in bonsai appreciation classes, attend lectures by bonsai masters, and even try their hand at basic bonsai techniques. These programs help to preserve and promote the art of bonsai, ensuring that this unique cultural heritage continues to thrive.

Website: https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/en/

9. Atami Hihokan Sex Museum (Atami, Shizuoka)

The Atami Hihokan, colloquially known as the Adult Museum, offers a unique and unconventional exploration of human sexuality through historical and humorous exhibits. Located in the coastal resort town of Atami, this museum stands as the last remaining establishment of its kind in Japan, representing a playful approach to adult-themed entertainment.

Spanning three floors with over 30 attractions, the museum takes a lighthearted and comedic approach to its subject matter. Unlike other similar venues that focused on graphic content, the Atami Hihokan emphasizes humor and whimsy. Exhibits include historical artifacts like traditional Japanese erotic art (shunga) and sex toys from the Edo period, alongside more playful installations such as animatronic displays and interactive experiences.

The museum has successfully maintained its popularity by creating an atmosphere of humor rather than explicit content. It attracts a diverse audience, from curious couples to groups of older women, who appreciate its comedic and historical perspectives. The museum's location overlooking the Atami coastline adds to its unique charm, offering visitors sweeping ocean views after their unconventional museum experience.

Website: http://www.atami-hihoukan.jp/

10. Toto Toilet Museum (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)

The Toto Museum, located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, offers a unique and surprisingly fascinating look at the evolution of bathroom technology in Japan. Opened in 2015 to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary, this museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and innovations of Toto, Japan's leading manufacturer of toilets and bathroom fixtures.

The museum's elegant two-story building houses a comprehensive collection that traces the development of sanitation technology in Japan from the early 20th century to the present day. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring early ceramic toilet models, vintage bathtubs, and the progression of Toto's famous Washlet electronic bidet seats. The museum not only highlights Toto's products but also provides insight into the broader cultural and technological changes in Japanese society over the past century.

Interactive displays allow visitors to learn about the engineering behind modern toilet technology, including water-saving mechanisms and advanced cleaning systems. The museum also addresses environmental concerns, showcasing Toto's efforts in developing eco-friendly bathroom solutions.

A particularly interesting section of the museum is dedicated to Toto's international expansion, displaying bathroom units designed for different global markets and illustrating how the company adapts its products to suit various cultural preferences.

One of the highlights of the Toto Museum is the opportunity for visitors to experience some of Toto's latest toilet technologies firsthand in the museum's restrooms. The museum also features a showroom where visitors can see the latest in bathroom design and technology, although these products are primarily available for the Japanese market.

Website: https://jp.toto.com/museum/en/

11. Kappa Museum (Tochigi Prefecture)

The Kappa Museum, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is a charming and quirky institution dedicated to the kappa, a mythical water creature deeply ingrained in Japanese folklore. This small but captivating museum houses an extensive collection of kappa-related artifacts, artworks, and local legends, offering visitors a unique glimpse into this fascinating aspect of Japanese mythology.

The museum's collection includes a wide variety of kappa representations, from traditional paintings and sculptures to modern pop culture interpretations. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the various regional variations of kappa legends across Japan, each with its own unique characteristics and stories. The museum also showcases artifacts supposedly left behind by kappa, such as mysterious footprints and alleged kappa remains, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the experience.

Interactive displays allow visitors to learn about the kappa's supposed anatomy, including the famous water-filled depression on its head, which is said to be the source of its power. The museum also explores the kappa's place in Japanese culture, from its role in cautionary tales warning children about the dangers of water to its more recent adoption as a friendly mascot for various products and regions.

One of the museum's highlights is its collection of kappa-inspired art, including works by both professional artists and local enthusiasts. These pieces range from traditional ukiyo-e prints to contemporary sculptures, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the kappa in Japanese artistic expression. The museum also houses a small library of kappa-related books and documents, providing resources for those interested in delving deeper into kappa lore.

While the Kappa Museum may not have an official website, its unique focus and comprehensive collection make it a must-visit destination for those interested in Japanese folklore and mythology.

12. Ninja Museum of Igaryu (Mie Prefecture)

The Ninja Museum of Igaryu, situated in Iga, Mie Prefecture, offers visitors an immersive and interactive experience into the secretive world of ninja. Located in the birthplace of the Iga school of ninjutsu, this museum provides a comprehensive look at ninja history, techniques, and culture.

The museum complex includes several key attractions. The Ninja House is a restored residence featuring hidden doors, secret passages, and trick mechanisms that ninja would have used for protection and escape. Guided tours of the house demonstrate how these clever architectural features worked, giving visitors a hands-on understanding of ninja ingenuity.

In the museum's main exhibition hall, visitors can explore a vast collection of ninja tools, weapons, and historical documents. Displays showcase the diverse arsenal of ninja equipment, from shuriken (throwing stars) and kusarigama (chain-sickles) to more subtle tools like disguise kits and listening devices. The exhibits also delve into the historical context of ninja, explaining their roles in feudal Japanese society and dispelling common myths popularized by modern media.

One of the highlights of the Ninja Museum is its regular ninja demonstration shows. Skilled performers showcase authentic ninja techniques, including acrobatics, weapon use, and stealthy movement. These dynamic presentations bring the world of ninja to life, offering visitors a glimpse of the skills that made these shadowy figures so formidable.

The museum also offers hands-on experiences where visitors can try their hand at ninja skills. Activities include throwing shuriken, practicing ninja walking techniques, and attempting to navigate through a laser maze. These interactive elements make the museum particularly engaging for visitors of all ages.

Website: https://ninja-museum.com/