Hyotan Museum

Museum • 1677 Koiwato, Omitama, Ibaraki 319-0107, Japan

4.1(47 reviews)

Enchanted by gourds, an invitation to a mysterious world

The Miracles of Shape and Color, the Charm of the Hyotan Art Museum

The "Hyotan Art Museum" in Komotoma City, Ibaraki Prefecture, as the name suggests, is a museum specialized in gourds. When you hear the word "gourd," you might imagine a very ordinary vegetable. However, if you visit this museum, you will be amazed by the peculiar and fascinating shapes and diverse colors of gourds.

Glimpses of history and culture, unexpected encounters

In addition to gourds, this museum also exhibits swords, embroidered kimonos, and antique items. As you walk through the museum, you will not only encounter the mysterious world of gourds, but also the history and culture of Japan that transcends time.

Enjoy a stroll in the charming garden

Outside the museum, there is a spacious garden with blooming plants in every season. In spring, peonies bloom, and in autumn, you will be surrounded by the fragrance of kinmokusei. It is also recommended to leisurely stroll through the garden while immersing yourself in the charm of gourds.

Easily accessible for a quick visit

Located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Komotoma City, it is easily accessible. Not only can you easily visit when traveling from Tokyo or Chiba, but you can also have an experience that far exceeds your expectations. Why not get lost in the peculiar and fascinating world of gourds?

Tourist attraction Museum Point of interest Establishment

Reviews

5(a week ago)

志賀智美（TOMOMI SHIGA）

Entrance fees will be discounted by 100 yen per person by presenting your JAF or AEON card. I happened to be passing by and found the sign and searched it. It was introduced on a tourist site for Ibaraki Prefecture, so I thought the 1,000 yen entrance fee was expensive, but when I went to the reception desk, a person who seemed to be the store owner came from the back and told me a story about gourds. He did a lot of things for me. It covers a wide range of topics, including the customs and living standards of people during the Edo and Kamakura periods, and is extremely valuable even if you are not a history buff. ), he spoke exclusively to us for over 60 minutes, and we were very moved. The 90-minute session was filled with a wealth of knowledge, including the fact that gourds are poisonous and the secret behind gourd making, as well as information about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Tokugawa family. The pickled gourd was also delicious. This time I wanted to bring my children. Apparently they are closed on days marked 6, so if you want to be sure to hear a rich story, it's best to make a reservation before going. We just happened to be very lucky. As a citizen of Ibaraki Prefecture, I highly recommend this museum to anyone seeking intelligence.

4(5 years ago)

須藤優子

We had a wonderful time! I was glad that you explained it to me in detail. A mountain of treasures such as embroidered kimonos, swords, matchlock guns, etc.☆ If you like plants, you'll enjoy gardening with peonies and large osmanthus trees.

5(a year ago)

ま

I visited with a friend on a rainy day. I couldn't see the garden because it was before spring and it was raining, but it was really interesting! You can learn more about gourds, and above all, the abundance and variety of gourds is amazing. I was surprised to find such a long gourd. There are many things to see, including swords, matchlock guns, and hand-embroidered kimonos. It was my first time holding a matchlock gun! ! I was able to meet Leo-chan, the signboard dog, and purchase pickled gourds and gourd straps as souvenirs. I chose a slightly fat gourd because it's cute. Next time, I would like to visit when the gourds are blooming and when the osmanthus is blooming.

4(4 years ago)

Miki Kataoka

As the name suggests, there are a lot of gourds, and there were a lot of things on display, from the Maeda family's helmets to military uniforms from the Meiji era (?) to paintings by Shiko Munakata. I learned a lot from the family members who guided me around while giving explanations.

1(11 months ago)

直美

There are also historical items on display. The person who guided us was very personable. I didn't get much. I don't think I'd recommend it. I guess I wanted to watch it at my own pace.

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