TokyoLeisure

Kokugakuin University Museum (國學院大學博物館)

Flow of the course

About 65 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: A wooded precinct amid the office blocks, said to be among the oldest in Shibuya

About this spot

A museum opened on the campus of Kokugakuin University in Higashi, Shibuya Ward. Many archaeological materials are on display, letting you see Jomon pottery, haniwa figures and other things you have only seen in textbooks for real. The Shinto exhibits are also extensive, giving an easy-to-follow introduction to Japanese festivals and forms of faith. Although it is a university facility, it is open to the public, and its calm atmosphere lets you take your time. Ebisu Higashi Park (恵比寿東公園) is within walking distance.

Tips

Check the opening days, opening hours and closed days on the official website in advance. As it stands on a university campus, follow the signs at the entrance. The galleries are a place for quiet viewing, so tell children not to run. The captions involve a fair amount of text, so starting with the visual corners such as pottery and haniwa keeps children interested.