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 enjoy experiencing the Momotaro legend 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
If you go down a small alleyway from the main street of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter , you will find the Momotaro Karakuri Museum on the back street of Kurashiki Ivy Square. The entrance is marked by a retro Momotaro, which is an impressive landmark. Okayama Prefecture is known as the birthplace of the Momotaro legend, and at this museum you can learn about Momotaro in a fun way. It's a spot you should definitely stop by before trying the famous "kibi dango".
Retro reception desk
Once you open the sliding door and go inside, you'll find a reception desk with a retro feel. This is where you pay the admission fee. If you present the " Tabi Toku Coupon " found on the Okayama Tourism Web'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. It's a truly humorous device, and already serves as a gateway to a world of laughter.
The Birth of Momotaro
Inside the museum, there are 15 Karakuri exhibits lined up. In the first exhibit, titled "The Birth of Momotaro," at first, it appears as if there is no one inside the peach.
Momotaro appears!
When 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 if you are larger, it may be a little difficult.
The body disappeared!
There is a small hole in the desk, and if you stick your head out 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 there are cushions on the floor, 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 another version of yourself appears from the swirling fisheye mirror. Once you get used to the sensation, you can play rock-paper-scissors or make a heart.
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 look as if it is about to jump out.
Momotaro at the entrance to Onigashima
Inside the museum, the dark and quiet entrance to 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 lived as his castle, is an important setting in the Momotaro legend.
Additionally, there are legends of "Demon Islands" on islands such as Megi 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, and is just as scary as a haunted house. You start off screaming at the entrance, and then scream even louder as you see yourself in shock, making it an experience full of fear and excitement until the very end. Although it is written "This is not a haunted house," visitors will feel the same way as if they were in a real haunted house.
Momotaro Museum
Momotaro is one of Japan's most well-known 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 old couple ate a peach, rejuvenating themselves and having a child. The legend of Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto defeating the demon Ura of Kibi Province (Okayama) has been passed down to this day. The museum's exhibits allow visitors to experience the depth of the Momotaro legend, whose interpretations and expressions have changed over the years.
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 to the present day.
Momotaro's Kamishibai
There is also a picture-story show-style video on screen, 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" on it will make you want to peek in. This museum, which is filled with tricks and mechanisms, 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
Closing days: Open all year round
Parking: None
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