Kankaku Museum

Overview

The Kankaku Museum in Iwadeyama, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is Japan's first museum built around the theme of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Opened in 2000, it lets visitors engage with their own perception through experiences of seeing, listening, and touching within a distinctive space designed by architect Kijo Rokkaku. It is a hands-on, participatory facility that both children and adults can enjoy with their whole body.

Highlights

• ●The originality of being Japan's first five-senses museum
• ●An experiential space designed by architect Kijo Rokkaku
• ●Participatory exhibits through seeing, hearing, and touching
• ●An indoor facility enjoyable regardless of the weather

History

The Kankaku Museum opened on August 4, 2000. A museum and experience facility taking the five senses themselves as its subject was the first attempt of its kind in Japan, drawing attention for both its concept and its architecture. The building was designed by architect Kijo Rokkaku, and the composition makes the space itself a work that acts on visitors' senses, not just the exhibits within.

Map

38.6566, 140.8707 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive in the Iwadeyama area and head to the Kankaku Museum
2. 2Tour the exhibits while experiencing the five-senses theme
3. 3Appreciate the architectural space itself by Kijo Rokkaku
4. 4Stroll the Iwadeyama castle town streets and historic sites as well

Did you know?

💡 The very idea of Japan's first museum themed on the five senses is unusual, and an experience that does not rely on sight alone has surprised many visitors. Kijo Rokkaku, who designed it, is one of modern Japan's leading architects, and some architecture fans visit for the sake of touring the building itself.

Nearby spots