Former Imai Residence Mino History Museum
Discover the legacy of Mino washi paper in a beautifully preserved traditional Japanese merchant house.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the summer heat.
Former Imai Residence Mino History Museum
Best Time
Escape the summer heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the legacy of Mino washi paper in a beautifully preserved traditional Japanese merchant house.
"This is well worth a visit, and very educational. So much to learn and take in."
⏳ Allow ample time
Allocate at least 30 minutes to explore the residence and exhibits thoroughly.
🎶 Listen to the Water Harp
Don't miss the tranquil suikinkutsu in the courtyard for a unique sensory experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Japanese House
Main Residence
Step back in time in this elegant and stately former home of a Japanese paper wholesaler.
Mino Washi Paper Exhibition
Museum Area
Marvel at stunning lamps and creations made from the famous Mino washi paper.
Courtyard Water Harp (Suikinkutsu)
Courtyard
Enjoy the serene and high-pitched, pleasant sound of water trickling over stones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Washi Paper Legacy
Timing is Key for Udatsu Townscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
Allocate at least 30 minutes to explore the residence and exhibits thoroughly.
🎶 Listen to the Water Harp
Don't miss the tranquil suikinkutsu in the courtyard for a unique sensory experience.
🎟️ Combined Tickets Available
Consider a combined ticket with the nearby Light Art Exhibition if time permits.
🚶 Explore Udatsu Townscape
Visit as part of a larger exploration of Mino City's historic Udatsu townscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Allocate at least 30 minutes to explore the residence and exhibits thoroughly.
🎶 Listen to the Water Harp
Don't miss the tranquil suikinkutsu in the courtyard for a unique sensory experience.
🎟️ Combined Tickets Available
Consider a combined ticket with the nearby Light Art Exhibition if time permits.
🚶 Explore Udatsu Townscape
Visit as part of a larger exploration of Mino City's historic Udatsu townscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors highly recommend the Former Imai Residence Mino History Museum for its educational value and historical immersion. The traditional Japanese house and the intricate Mino washi paper exhibitions are consistently praised, along with the tranquil courtyard water harp. Some visitors noted that combining the visit with nearby attractions like the Light Art Exhibition is beneficial, especially if time is limited.
"This is well worth a visit, and very educational. So much to learn and take in. Full of history, with a very helpful curator, who shared all his knowledge. Highly recommended."
Darren S
"It's a little museum of the famous washi paper, made in this town. The exhibition inside was amazing, full of lamps built by different people. I don't know if the exhibition is permanent or not, if the creations are changing every year. I will soon see that!
Anyway, it was beautiful."
L B (LizzieSensei)
"An tradition Japanese house. Worth to visit."
Kevin To
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within Mino City. Public transportation options include local buses. Many visitors arrive by car as part of a wider tour of the Udatsu townscape.
Parking is generally available in Mino City, especially for those exploring the Udatsu townscape. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking areas.
Yes, it's feasible to visit as a day trip, particularly if you combine it with other attractions in Mino City. Factor in travel time from your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website or local listings before your visit.
Admission fees are typically modest. Combined tickets with other local attractions may also be available.
Advance booking is usually not required for individual entry, but it's always a good idea to confirm, especially during peak seasons.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is often available on the museum's official channels.
Yes, a combined ticket for the Former Imai Residence and the nearby Light Art Exhibition has been mentioned, offering good value if you plan to visit both.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a traditional Japanese house, learn about Mino washi paper, admire paper art exhibitions, and enjoy the serene suikinkutsu in the courtyard.
Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour sufficient to explore the residence and its exhibits.
The historical house and unique paper art can be engaging for children, though supervision is recommended.
While not explicitly mentioned, traditional craft museums often have shops selling local products, including washi paper items.
A suikinkutsu is a traditional Japanese garden feature where water drips onto an underground pot, creating a pleasant, bell-like sound.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's generally permitted in most areas, but check for any 'no photography' signs, especially in exhibition spaces.
The traditional architecture of the house, the intricate washi paper lamps, and the tranquil courtyard with the suikinkutsu are highly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and residential areas. Always check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum is educational, it's advisable to prepare children for a quieter, more observational experience. Encourage them to notice the details of the house and the artistry of the paper creations. Visiting as part of a larger exploration of the Udatsu townscape can make the outing more dynamic. Consider a combined ticket if your children enjoy art and history.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Exploring the traditional Japanese house allows for quiet contemplation of the past. The Udatsu townscape surrounding the museum provides ample opportunity for historical exploration and photography. The serene atmosphere, enhanced by the suikinkutsu, makes it an ideal spot for reflective visits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Mino Washi Paper
Many visitors are particularly impressed by the exhibitions of lamps made from Mino washi paper. These displays demonstrate how this traditional material can be transformed into contemporary art pieces, bathing spaces in a soft, warm glow. The craftsmanship involved in these creations is often a point of admiration, showing the evolution of washi paper use beyond its traditional applications. The museum provides a unique opportunity to appreciate both the historical context and the artistic innovation associated with this regional specialty.
Exploring the Udatsu Townscape
Visitors often describe the townscape as feeling like a journey into the past. The Former Imai Residence, being the home of a former washi paper wholesaler, fits perfectly into this narrative, representing the kind of successful merchant enterprise that shaped the area. The presence of the suikinkutsu (water harp) in the residence's courtyard adds another layer of sensory delight to the experience, complementing the visual charm of the historic buildings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit