UPON LANDING IN JAPAN, you’re struck by the pristine streets, the graciousness of the people, the omnipresent, drifting smells of food, and more often than not, the mystery of the culture. After you find yourself temple-and-shrine-d out, remember that there’s more to Japan than just sushi and Hello Kitty. You are sure to discover an alternative museum no matter where in the country you are.
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14 Essential Alternative Museums to Check Out in Japan
Can’t get enough of the ramen? The Osaka area is home to a place where you can create your own and take it home. Did I pique your interest with the mere mention of Hello Kitty? You’ll want to pay the Anpanman and Ghibli museums a visit. At the latter, look out for the “cat bus”.
The best thing about all of the following museums is that everything from their design to their content captures a piece of Japanese culture. Each allows you to learn about Japan through a different, alternative lens and many will make you smile to yourself about how the Japanese can pretty much create any museum they want.
We pulled these locations out of our travelstoke app. It’s the world’s first social network for travelers, and it’s also a solid crowd-sourced travel guide. Don’t see something that should be on this list? Join the app and add it yourself! 