The Museum MATSUSHIMA is a popular cultural attraction in Matsushima, one of Japan’s celebrated Three Scenic Views of Japan. The museum brings together a fascinating collection of music boxes and other unique exhibits, offering visitors an enjoyable way to experience music, art, fashion, toys, history, and local culture in one place.
One of the highlights is a live performance by one of the world’s largest music boxes, held once every hour. The magnificent sound fills the museum and creates an elegant and memorable experience. The facility also includes one of the largest music box shops in the Tohoku region, as well as a café and restaurant, making it a convenient place to visit while exploring Matsushima.
The site originally housed the Matsushima Music Box Museum, but it was forced to close following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Afterward, extensive renovation and redevelopment were undertaken with the aim of creating a new tourism and cultural destination for Matsushima.
The facility reopened as The Museum MATSUSHIMA, incorporating more than 100 music boxes transferred from the Royal Museums of Belgium, along with new collections and exhibitions. Through this redevelopment, the museum evolved into a destination introducing visitors to both the cultural heritage of Matsushima and a wide range of international collections.
The museum’s main attraction is its rare collection of music boxes inherited from the Royal Museums of Belgium. The collection includes an enormous concert organ and unusual mechanical instruments incorporating elements such as saxophones and accordions.
These instruments demonstrate the remarkable craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity behind historical music boxes. Rather than simply viewing them as decorative objects, visitors can experience their sounds during the museum’s hourly live performances.
The powerful yet elegant music produced by these large mechanical instruments provides a memorable contrast to the peaceful scenery of Matsushima outside the museum.
As part of efforts connected with Matsushima’s post-disaster recovery, the museum also introduced a collection belonging to Teruhisa Kitahara, a well-known Japanese collector of vintage toys.
The Kitahara Toy Collection includes colorful tin toys, celluloid dolls, vintage posters, and other objects from earlier eras. These items provide a fascinating glimpse into everyday life, popular culture, and manufacturing in Japan, particularly during the Showa era.
Some exhibits incorporate motion displays, allowing visitors to see vintage toys and mechanical objects in action. The playful displays are enjoyable for children while also bringing back memories for older generations.
Another distinctive attraction is the Mode Collection, assembled by the museum’s owner, Mr. Segawa. The French word mode refers to fashion, and the collection focuses on highly original, sophisticated designs that reflect the changing tastes of different eras.
Visitors can follow the development of fashion from 19th-century court clothing to modern styles. Elaborate garments and changing silhouettes reveal how fashion evolved over time, creating an exhibition that has the atmosphere of an art museum.
The museum’s exhibits extend beyond music boxes, toys, and fashion. Dedicated spaces also introduce the natural environment, landscapes, history, and culture of Matsushima.
Beautiful landscape photographs, dioramas, and examples of traditional local crafts help visitors understand the character of the region. These displays provide useful background for travelers who have come to see Matsushima Bay and want to learn more about the history and culture behind its famous scenery.
The museum also has an educational aspect and is designed to be enjoyed not only by tourists but also by people from the local community.
The museum has a bright and spacious interior, with exhibits arranged so that visitors can explore them comfortably. After viewing the collections, visitors can browse the large music box shop, which offers music boxes in a wide range of designs.
A music box can make a charming souvenir or gift from Matsushima, allowing visitors to take home a small reminder of the sounds and atmosphere of their trip.
The museum also has a café and restaurant, providing a place to relax after exploring the exhibitions. Visitors can take a break, enjoy food and drinks, and spend additional time at the facility without having to leave the museum immediately.
Spaces for learning and交流 are also available, and the museum hosts events and workshops from time to time. These activities provide additional opportunities to engage with the collections and local culture.
The Museum MATSUSHIMA is conveniently located for visitors exploring the Matsushima area. It can easily be incorporated into a sightseeing itinerary around Matsushima Bay.
JR Senseki Line – Matsushima-Kaigan Station: Approximately 10 minutes on foot.
JR Tohoku Main Line – Matsushima Station: Approximately 10 minutes on foot.
Its convenient location makes it easy to stop by after enjoying the scenery of Matsushima Bay, making the museum a practical addition to a sightseeing route through the area.
The Museum MATSUSHIMA offers an unusually diverse cultural experience centered on its impressive music box collection. Visitors can listen to historic mechanical instruments, explore vintage Japanese toys, admire the evolution of fashion, and learn about the nature and culture of Matsushima.
The combination of music, art, history, popular culture, shopping, and dining makes the museum appealing to visitors of different ages and interests. The hourly music box performances are particularly memorable, offering an experience that can be enjoyed through both sight and sound.
When visiting Matsushima, consider adding The Museum MATSUSHIMA to your itinerary for a different perspective on this famous destination—one that combines the beauty of the region with fascinating collections from Japan and around the world.
9:00-17:00
Open all year round
Adults 1,500 yen
High school students 1,000 yen
Elementary/junior high school students 800 yen
Preschool children free
Seniors (65 and over) 1,200 yen
10 min. walk from Matsushima-kaigan Station on the Senseki Line and Matsushima Station on the Tohoku Main Line
5 minutes drive from Matsushima-kaigan IC of Sanriku Expressway