From the Matsushima Music Box Museum to a New Cultural Destination
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.
A Fascinating Variety of Collections
The Music Box Collection
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.
The Teruhisa Kitahara Toy Collection
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.
The Mode Collection
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.
Discover Matsushima’s Nature, History, and Culture
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.
A Comfortable Space for Shopping, Dining, and Relaxation
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.
Café, Restaurant, and Community Spaces
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.
Convenient Access from Matsushima’s Main Attractions
The Museum MATSUSHIMA is conveniently located for visitors exploring the Matsushima area. It can easily be incorporated into a sightseeing itinerary around Matsushima Bay.
By Train
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.
A Unique Cultural Experience in Matsushima
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.