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Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum (新美南吉記念館)

About this spot

Located in Yanabe (岩滑), Handa City, this memorial museum introduces Niimi Nankichi, the author of children's tales known for Gon the Little Fox and other works. The building is a low structure set into the ground so that it blends into the surrounding farmland, and its exterior, covered in grass all the way over the roof, looks like something out of a story itself. Inside are handwritten manuscripts, personal belongings and displays recreating scenes from his works, so children who have read the picture books can go looking for the scenes they know. The landscapes that served as settings for the stories still remain nearby, and just outside the museum flows the Yakachi River (矢勝川), famous for its red spider lilies. It is a memorable stop both for children who love reading and for those about to meet these stories for the first time.

Tips

Check the admission fee and closed days on the official website in advance. The museum opens around 9:30 a.m., so adjust your timing to avoid arriving too early. The galleries are a place to stay quiet. Reading Gon the Little Fox once before you set out will greatly change how much you enjoy the exhibits.