Matagi Museum
Discover the rich culture and resilient spirit of the Ani Matagi, traditional mountain hunters, through fascinating exhibits and rare photographs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Matagi Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the rich culture and resilient spirit of the Ani Matagi, traditional mountain hunters, through fascinating exhibits and rare photographs.
"A special facility to learn about the magnificence and strength of the Matagi way of life."
🎟️ Admission at Onsen Desk
Pay your 200 yen admission fee at the Matagi no Yu hot spring reception. :ticket:
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Access detailed explanations via QR code for an enhanced understanding. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Matagi Photographs
Exhibition Hall
Rare and magnificent photos from the early Showa period capture the strength and vitality of the mountain hunters.
Hunting Equipment
Exhibition Hall
See firsthand the traditional costumes, hunting gear, and tools used by the Ani Matagi.
Stuffed Animal Specimens
Exhibition Hall
Encounter lifelike stuffed specimens of the animals primarily hunted by the Matagi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Hot Springs
Dress for the Cold
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Admission at Onsen Desk
Pay your 200 yen admission fee at the Matagi no Yu hot spring reception. :ticket:
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Access detailed explanations via QR code for an enhanced understanding. :iphone:
🧥 Bring an Extra Layer
The museum can be cold, even in summer. Dress warmly! :snowflake:
🚗 Ample Parking
Convenient parking is available on-site for visitors. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Admission at Onsen Desk
Pay your 200 yen admission fee at the Matagi no Yu hot spring reception. :ticket:
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Access detailed explanations via QR code for an enhanced understanding. :iphone:
🧥 Bring an Extra Layer
The museum can be cold, even in summer. Dress warmly! :snowflake:
🚗 Ample Parking
Convenient parking is available on-site for visitors. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Matagi Museum to be an affordable and insightful cultural experience, particularly when combined with the adjacent hot springs. The exhibits, including rare photographs and traditional hunting equipment, offer a unique glimpse into the life of the Ani Matagi. While the museum can be chilly, the accessible audio guide enhances understanding.
"I visited over the weekend.
I visited after visiting Kumakuma En nearby.
The facility is attached to Matagi no Yu, and registration is at the Matagi no Yu front desk.
Admission to the Matagi Museum is 200 yen.
You can also access the audio guide via QR code.
The Ani region of Kitaakita City is covered in mountain forests and is famous for the Ani Matagi.
Materials and exhibits related to the Matagi are displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.
The Matagi photographs from the early Showa period are rare and magnificent, capturing the strength and vitality of the mountain men.
The words of legendary Shikari Ani Matagi Suzuki Matsuji - "When you feel like you're losing yourself, why not go to another world and come and meet another you?" - struck me deeply.
I felt this was a special facility to learn about the magnificence and strength of the Matagi way of life.
Thank you."
脂肪遊戯
"This facility has easy-to-understand, detailed exhibits and explanations about Matagi, the hunters who hunt wild animals such as bears.
As other people have said in their reviews, the audio guidance is very light-hearted and provides excellent explanations.
It can get quite cold inside the facility, even in spring and early summer, so it's a good idea to wear an outer layer when entering.
It's a great facility to learn about Japanese culture and history, and is a great place for children to visit.
Parking is available."
Nd4 Neda4
"Visited on July 20, 2025.
The Matagi Museum exhibits costumes, hunting equipment, and stuffed specimens related to the Ani Matagi. You can experience the traditions and culture of the Matagi."
田口敦
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Matagi Museum is located within the Matagi no Yu hot spring facility in Kitaakita City. If you are driving, parking is available on-site. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus schedules in advance is recommended.
Yes, many visitors combine their trip to the Matagi Museum with a visit to Kumakuma En, a nearby attraction. This makes for an efficient day of exploring the Ani region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Matagi Museum is a very affordable 200 yen. You can purchase your ticket at the front desk of the attached Matagi no Yu hot spring facility.
While specific hours can vary, the museum is generally accessible during the operating hours of the Matagi no Yu hot spring facility. It's best to confirm current hours with the facility directly before your visit.
Absolutely! The museum offers an audio guide that can be accessed via a QR code. This provides light-hearted and excellent explanations of the exhibits, enhancing your understanding of Matagi culture.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Matagi Museum showcases the culture and lifestyle of the Ani Matagi, traditional hunters of wild animals. Exhibits include rare hunting equipment, clothing, detailed explanations of their traditions, and stuffed specimens of hunted animals.
Yes, the Matagi Museum is considered a great place for children to visit and learn about Japanese culture and history. The exhibits are presented in an easy-to-understand manner.
Visitors note that the museum can get quite cold inside, even during spring and early summer. It's highly recommended to wear an outer layer of clothing to stay comfortable during your visit.
The Matagi were skilled hunters who lived deep in the snowy mountains, adhering to strict discipline and mountain rules. The museum highlights their wisdom, strength, and the unique culture they developed to coexist with nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Matagi Museum itself does not have dining facilities. However, it is attached to the Matagi no Yu hot spring facility, which may offer some refreshments or dining options. It's advisable to check with the hot spring facility for their specific offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some exhibits might be restricted, generally, visitors can take photos to capture the historical artifacts and displays. It's always a good idea to look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure about specific areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress warmly, as the museum can be chilly, which is important to keep kids comfortable. Combining the visit with the attached Matagi no Yu hot spring facility can also be a fun way to round off the day for the whole family. The modest admission fee makes it an affordable option for a cultural excursion.
🏛️ Culture Enthusiasts
The collection of rare photographs from the early Showa period is a significant draw, offering a visual narrative of the Matagi's strength and resilience. The museum's emphasis on the Matagi's philosophy and their deep respect for the mountains provides a contemplative experience. Coupled with the informative audio guide, visitors can gain a nuanced understanding of this distinct cultural group.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Ani Matagi
Exhibits delve into the Matagi's hunting practices, primarily focusing on bears, and the intricate knowledge they possessed about the local flora and fauna. You'll find displays of their traditional costumes and hunting equipment, providing tangible links to their past. The museum also features rare photographs from the early Showa period, which vividly capture the strength and spirit of these mountain dwellers. These images are particularly impactful, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of traditional hunting.
One of the most striking aspects of the Matagi culture is their philosophy, exemplified by the words of legendary Shikari (leader) Suzuki Matsuji: "When you feel like you're losing yourself, why not go to another world and come and meet another you?" This quote, often highlighted in the museum, speaks to the transformative power of connecting with nature and oneself. The Matagi Museum aims to convey this sense of depth and the magnificence of their way of life, making it a truly special facility for learning and reflection.
The Matagi Museum Experience
A key feature that enhances the visitor experience is the audio guide, accessible via a QR code. This guide provides light-hearted yet excellent explanations, adding depth to the visual displays. Many visitors have praised its quality and helpfulness in understanding the nuances of Matagi culture. However, a practical tip from visitors is to dress warmly, as the museum can be quite cold inside, even during warmer months. This preparation ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable exploration of the exhibits.
The museum's collection includes materials and exhibits related to the Matagi, such as their traditional clothing, hunting tools, and stuffed specimens of the animals they hunted. The Matagi photographs from the early Showa period are particularly noteworthy for their rarity and the powerful depiction of the hunters' strength and vitality. Overall, the Matagi Museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the magnificence and strength of the Matagi way of life, making it a recommended stop for those interested in Japanese culture and history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit