Alternative Day Out: 9 Museums off the Beaten Track in Tokyo
From noodles to tattoos, kites to parasites, discover some of the weirdest and most wonderful exhibits in Japan's capital
By Google Arts & Culture
Tokyo, Japan. (Moyan Brenn CC BY 2.0) (2014-11-25) by (Moyan Brenn CC BY 2.0) Museu do Amanhã
Tokyo, Japan's capital, is a city alive with art, culture, and tech. Beyond the bright neon lights are some museums and galleries that you may not have yet discovered. Scroll on for an alternative day out off the beaten track. Use the arrows to explore...
Kite Museum
Kites were introduced to Japan by Chinese Buddhist monks in the 8th Century. They became so popular that they were actually banned in 1655, after competitions led to people fighting and falling off roofs. Thankfully, you'll be much safer at the Kite Museum in Nihonbashi.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Ramen, the wheat noodle dish beloved by millions around the world, powers day-to-day life in Tokyo. Inside the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum you'll find a recreation of one of the city's narrow, winding backstreets, filled - of course - with Ramen to try.
Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
Perhaps it's no surprise to find not one, but two museums dedicated to this delicious and nutritious foodstuff. At the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum you'll find a recreation of a simple wooden shack where Momofuku Ando invented the instant dried noodle.
Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame
Did you know baseball is considered Japan's national sport? Since 1872, the game, known as yakyū, has captivated audiences. The Japanese game is a little different to the American, but like the Yanks, they celebrate their best players in the Hall of Fame at the Tokyo Dome.
Bunshin Tattoo Museum
Japanese ink-artists produce some of the most beautiful and highly regarded designs , as seen at the Bunshin Tattoo Museum.
Meguro Parasitological Museum
Does a parasitological museum need to exist? Does it exist only to induce nightmares? Is it better to visit before lunch, or after? The Meguro Parasitological Museum does serve a genuine scientific purpose, but I imagine most visitors are going for the shock of their lives.
Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow”
Once you've had your fill at the parasite museum, why not visit the Tokyo Sewerage Museum “Rainbow” in Odaiba–Ariake? Here, you can learn about the pipes, filters, laboratories and workers that keep the capital city spick-and-span.
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