The Momotaro Karakuri Museum in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is popular for its unique mechanisms and thrilling sections. It's a recommended spot where you can have fun experiencing the legend of Momotaro in a playful way.
2025.03.05-
Table of contents
- Momotaro Karakuri Museum
- Retro reception desk
- The Birth of Momotaro
- A magical experience
- A mysterious world of mirrors and illusions
- Magical Whirlpool
- Momotaro at the entrance to Onigashima
- Onigashima Cave Exploration
- Momotaro Museum
Momotaro Karakuri Museum
Just off the main street of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter , down an alleyway, you'll find the Momotaro Karakuri Museum on the back street beside Kurashiki Ivy Square. The entrance, marked by a retro Momotaro, is an impressive landmark. Okayama Prefecture is known as the birthplace of the Momotaro legend, and this museum offers a fun way to learn about Momotaro. It's a must-visit spot before trying the famous "kibi dango."
Retro reception desk
Once you open the sliding door and enter, you'll find a reception desk with a retro atmosphere. This is where you pay the admission fee. If you present the " Tabi Toku Coupon " found on the Okayama Tourism website's spot introduction page, you'll receive a 100 yen discount. In front of the reception desk, there are what at first glance look like capsule toys, but are actually fortune-telling slips. A truly humorous device, it's already your gateway to a world of laughter.
The Birth of Momotaro
Inside the museum, there are 15 Karakuri exhibits, numbered 1 to 15. In the first exhibit, titled "The Birth of Momotaro," at first, it appears as if there is no one inside the peach.
Momotaro appears!
If you go around to the left rear of the case, the newborn Momotaro will appear. This is a truly ingenious trick, as he cannot be seen from the front.
A magical experience
There is also an exhibit where you can enter a peach placed on a table. If you are curious, you can try it, but it may be a little difficult for larger people.
The body disappeared!
There is a small hole in the desk, and if you stick your head through it, you will experience the illusion of your body disappearing. It can be a little difficult to turn around in the small space, but cushions are provided so you can enjoy it comfortably even in a small space.
A mysterious world of mirrors and illusions
It looks like a seed inside a big peach, but if you put your hand inside the seed, another hand of yours will appear and try to hold your hand.
Shake hands with myself
It's a mysterious experience that draws you in as you see another version of yourself appear from within the swirling fisheye mirror. Once you get used to the sensation, you can play rock-paper-scissors and make hearts.
Magical Whirlpool
If you look at this spiral for 20 seconds and then look at the flower above, a strange phenomenon will occur! The flower will appear to jump out.
Momotaro at the entrance to Onigashima
Inside the museum, the entrance to the dark and quiet Onigashima has been recreated. According to legend, Momotaro went to Onigashima to defeat the demons. In Okayama City and Soja City, there are many legends related to Kibitsuhiko and Ura, and Kinojozan in the eastern part of Soja City is said to be the model for Onigashima. This area, where a giant named Ura is said to have had his castle, is an important setting in the Momotaro legend.
There are also legends of "Onigashima" (demon islands) on Megi Island Island in Takamatsu City , Kagawa Prefecture , which is located in the Seto Naikai .
Onigashima Cave Exploration
Onigashima Cave is only 25 meters from the exit, but it has the scary feeling of a haunted house. You start off screaming at the entrance, and then scream even louder as you are surprised by your own appearance, making it an experience filled with fear and excitement until the very end. Although it is advertised as "not a haunted house," visitors will feel the thrill of a full-fledged haunted house.
Momotaro Museum
Momotaro is one of Japan's most famous fairy tales, and there are various theories about its origin. One theory is that he was born from a peach, while another is that an elderly couple ate a peach, becoming younger and having a child. The legend of Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto defeating the demon Ura of Kibi Province ( Okayama) has been passed down to the present day. The museum's exhibits allow you to experience the depth of the Momotaro legend, whose interpretation and expression have changed over time.
The oldest document of the Momotaro legend
On the first floor, the oldest document on the Momotaro legend from the Edo period, dating back to Bunka 8 (1811), is on display. It is in a display case so you cannot read it, but the explanatory text is very interesting as it explains the historical background and examples that are still relevant today.
Momotaro's Kamishibai
A picture-story show-style video is also shown, and you can immerse yourself even more deeply in the world of Momotaro by sitting on a log and listening to the story.
Finally, a glowing green eye-like hole with the words "Do not peek" will make you want to peer in. This museum, filled with mechanical devices, is a must-see when visiting Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Momotaro Karakuri Museum : Address: 5-11 Honmachi , Kurashiki City Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 086-423-2008
Business hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Open all year round
Parking: None
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