Futagawa-shuku Honjin
Step back into Edo Japan at Futagawa-shuku Honjin, a preserved inn on the historic Tokaido Road, showcasing nobility's travel life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Optional tea ceremony available
Futagawa-shuku Honjin
Best Time
Optional tea ceremony available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into Edo Japan at Futagawa-shuku Honjin, a preserved inn on the historic Tokaido Road, showcasing nobility's travel life.
"A well-preserved historical gem offering a fascinating glimpse into Edo period travel with interactive fun."
📸 Dress-up Fun
Lend princess & merchant outfits for photos! A unique way to capture your visit.
🍵 Saturday Sweet Treat
Enjoy Japanese sweets & green tea for an extra fee on Saturdays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Edo Period Nobility Quarters
Main Honjin Building
Explore the meticulously preserved rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens of lords and ladies, contrasting with servant quarters.
Tokaido Road Woodblock Prints
Exhibition Rooms
View historical woodblock prints and manuscripts that vividly document travel along the Tokaido Road.
Costume Photo Opportunities
Designated Areas
Dress up in traditional princess or merchant outfits for memorable photos, a unique interactive experience.
Optional Tea Ceremony
Tea Room
Enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and green tea for an additional fee, especially on Saturdays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Experience Edo Period Travel
Enhance Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Dress-up Fun
Lend princess & merchant outfits for photos! A unique way to capture your visit.
🍵 Saturday Sweet Treat
Enjoy Japanese sweets & green tea for an extra fee on Saturdays.
🗣️ English Support
English pamphlets & some signs available, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers.
🚗 Free Parking
Convenient free parking is available for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Dress-up Fun
Lend princess & merchant outfits for photos! A unique way to capture your visit.
🍵 Saturday Sweet Treat
Enjoy Japanese sweets & green tea for an extra fee on Saturdays.
🗣️ English Support
English pamphlets & some signs available, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers.
🚗 Free Parking
Convenient free parking is available for visitors.
⏳ Time Your Visit
Allow about 1 hour, including the optional matcha tea ceremony.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Futagawa-shuku Honjin to be a well-preserved historical gem offering a fascinating glimpse into Edo period travel. The interactive costume rentals and optional tea ceremony are particularly praised, alongside the helpful English information for international guests. Some visitors wished for more extensive English translations, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and educational stop.
"I took a friend who came from abroad for sightseeing. They were very happy. They also lent us princess and merchant outfits for us to take pictures in. On Saturdays, you can also enjoy Japanese sweets and green tea for an extra fee. There are also some English signs here and there. English pamphlets are also available. Parking is free. The stay is about one hour including the matcha tea ceremony."
K Tuji
"There are only two museums like this left in Japan. It is well worth your time to pay to visit."
Ralf Winter
"This renovated old relay « honjin »on the Tokaidō route is worth the visit. It is nowadays an interesting folklore museum on the constant travel obligation of the nobility under the Tokugawa rule in the Edo period.
You can see the inner gardens, the rooms, bathrooms, toilets and kitchen for the noble men and women as well as the quarters for their servants, very different indeed in confort levels.
There are also many woodblock prints and manuscripts documenting the travel on the Tokaidō. Some comments are provided in English, useful for non-fluent Japanese readers like me."
Lapin Dubonheur
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Futagawa-shuku Honjin is accessible by car, with free parking available. Public transport options may require further connections, so checking local transit schedules is recommended.
Yes, there is convenient and free parking available for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific hours aren't detailed in the provided information, it's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most current opening times.
There is an admission fee to visit the Honjin, which is considered well worth the cost for the historical experience.
Information on advance booking isn't specified, but for a smooth visit, it's often best to purchase tickets upon arrival.
Details on discounts are not provided, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter for any available concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the preserved rooms of nobility and servants, view historical woodblock prints and manuscripts, and even try on traditional costumes. An optional tea ceremony is also available.
Yes, English pamphlets and some English signage are available, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers to understand the exhibits.
A visit typically takes about one hour, including time for the optional matcha tea ceremony.
Photography is generally allowed, and visitors can even rent traditional costumes for memorable photo opportunities.
It's one of the few remaining 'honjin' (main inns) on the Tokaido Road, offering insights into the Edo period's mandatory travel system for nobility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
On Saturdays, you can enjoy an optional Japanese sweets and green tea experience for an additional fee.
While not detailed, the surrounding area likely offers local dining options. It's recommended to explore the vicinity for nearby eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The preserved rooms, historical prints, and especially the costume rental for photos offer excellent opportunities.
It's advisable to check for any specific signage regarding flash photography within the museum to protect the exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical exhibits are informative, the interactive elements make it engaging for younger visitors. The optional tea ceremony on Saturdays can also be a gentle introduction to Japanese culture. With free parking and English pamphlets available, planning a family outing is made easier. It's a great way to combine learning with a bit of playful exploration.
🌍 International Visitors
The costume rental offers a fun, interactive way to engage with Japanese history, providing excellent photo opportunities. The optional tea ceremony on Saturdays is another cultural experience that many international visitors enjoy. With free parking, it's a convenient stop, especially if you're exploring the region by car. Plan for about an hour to fully absorb the experience.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
The collection of woodblock prints and manuscripts further enriches the historical narrative, illustrating the journeys and challenges faced by travelers on this vital route. The museum's focus on the practicalities of travel and accommodation for different social classes offers a nuanced perspective often missed in broader historical accounts. It’s a place where history feels tangible and deeply personal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tokaido Road and Honjin System
Visiting Futagawa-shuku Honjin allows you to experience firsthand the living conditions of the Edo period. You can observe the distinct architectural styles and the stark differences in comfort between the quarters for lords and ladies versus those for their servants. The preserved rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens provide a vivid glimpse into the daily lives and the logistical demands of this era's mandatory travel system. This immersive experience makes it more than just a museum; it's a journey back in time.
Interactive Experiences and Accessibility
For international travelers, the inclusion of English pamphlets and some English signage significantly enhances accessibility. This thoughtful provision ensures that visitors who are not fluent in Japanese can still appreciate the historical context and details of the exhibits. While not fully bilingual, these resources bridge the language gap, making the experience more inclusive and informative. The optional Japanese sweets and green tea ceremony, particularly available on Saturdays, offers another layer of cultural immersion, providing a taste of traditional hospitality.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit