Visit Japan: 4 good reasons to stop at Meiji Mura

You are visiting Japan and want to discover a place as historic as it is unusual? Then go to Tokai, to visit Meiji Mura!

The country of the rising sun opens its arms for your next trip, and you want to complete your list of tourist attractions not to be missed under any pretext? If you want to discover the golden age of Japanese architecture, and the consequences of European influence on this mythical country, you will not have to omit a passage by the Meiji Mura!

Located in the heart of one of the most attractive regions of the Japan The Tokai, the Meiji Mura is both an outdoor museum and a theme park, where the emblematic architecture of the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) is particularly well preserved. Overlooking Lake Iruka, the site is only a series of historical and unusual discoveries, which will allow you to learn more about one of the fast times of the country of the rising sun, and to discover a true hidden treasure.

Perfectly accessible from Nagoya , the capital of Aichi Prefecture, and feasible in one day, the Meiji Mura will open its doors to you, as well as those of Japanese History.

Dive into the heart of a pivotal era in Japan

Among the buildings present, you can discover, among other things: a traditional public bath, a two-storey theatre for the performing arts and a saké brewery... You will also find the main house of Natsume Soseki (1867-1916), the writer of the mythical and satirical "I am a cat". These buildings, classified as Cultural Heritage of Importance (PCI), will reflect a typical History and architecture that will immerse you in a past period.

In addition, by visiting the Meiji Mura, you will enjoy two machines also classified at the PCI at the national level, thanks to the restoration of trams used to Kyoto and Tokyo early 20th century. A historic and fun discovery that will delight both small and large.

Discover the influence of Western culture on Japanese architecture

So, by strolling in the heart of Meiji Mura Park, don’t be surprised to cross a Gothic style church, a Brussels-style lighthouse and even a reception hall reminiscent of French architectural elegance. These buildings were all built between the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, by European architects. Having contributed to the architectural elevation of Nippone, these buildings are now all classified as Cultural Heritage of Importance at the national level.

Also discover other structures of European origin, such as the Rokugo River Rail Bridge, or the Shin-Ohashi Bridge, particularly representative of the end of the Meiji era.

Enjoy an original walk, between outdoors and typical animations

Throughout the day, many shuttles are going to take you to the different points of interest in the park. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy many cafes and restaurants to share a convivial moment with your loved ones. And if you prefer to eat on your thumb, no worries! You will find your happiness thanks to the many food trucks dotted the theme park of Meiji Mura.

Bonus: 2 steps from Meiji Mura, discover one of the oldest castles of the country

Would you like to visit the site, without spending a whole day? Know that another Japanese marvel stretches your arms: Inuyama Castle! Dating from the 16th century, this architectural wonder is one of the greatest treasures of Japanese history. Indeed, the Inuyama watch tower, built more than 450 years ago, is one of the only structures of the castle to be always of origin! It is also one of the oldest in Japan, since less than a dozen are still standing across the country.

The visits of the castle and its garden will offer you, in addition to the discovery of a remarkable Japanese atmosphere and two historical epochs of the country (one feudal, the other of the beginning of the modern era), a sublime view of the Kiso River! A special moment, therefore, to close a day berthed by the sweet Japanese culture.

Museum Time and Rates / theme park Meiji Mura

In order to get to Meiji Mura under the best conditions, and not to have any unpleasant surprises, here is a summary of the hotel’s rates.

Finally, in order not to make you useless on the site outside of the opening hours and days, here is a summary of the Meiji Mura program over the year.

Find more practical information on the official website : https://www.meijimura.com/

Picture credit for the One : ©Museum Meiji-Mura