Meiji Mura 博物館明治村

For a striking collection focusing on Meiji period (1868-1912) architecture, head to one of Japan's most visited open-air museums, Meiji Mura.

Reach Meiji Mura by train or bus.

Meiji Mura is located in Inuyama, about one hour from Nagoya.

From Nagoya Station , board the Meitetsu Inuyama Line for Inuyama Station and transfer to a Gifu bus for Meiji Mura. Your travel time about an hour.

Meiji Mura, or Meiji Village, is a stunning demonstration of Meiji period-architecture from Japan and other countries. Walking around this vast theme park museum, see how Western culture inspired the architects of Japan as it moved from its samurai past to its modernized future.

Most of the buildings constructed during the Meiji period were torn down for city redevelopment or destroyed during the war. This means you are unlikely to see anywhere else the likes of these preserved cultural assets relocated from Japan and abroad, such as Sapporo's telephone exchange, Tokyo's Imperial Hotel (designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright), and Kyoto's Francis Xavier's Cathedral.

Some of the historical buildings were repurposed as cafes and candy shops, many selling tasty versions of traditional Meiji period dishes such as curry and rice and croquettes.

It takes at least half a day to truly enjoy the entire museum, so take the steam train or streetcar (both require additional fees) to make the most of your visit.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website