Maboroshi Hakurankai

Maboroshi Hakurankai

MUSEUM

Ito is home to two of the strangest museums I’ve ever been to, both run by the same company. The company president, Yoshitsugu Uno, often appears at the museum under the name “Sera-chan” and often dresses in cosplays. “Sera-chan” is almost a mascot of the museum and many people come to take pictures together.

The museum consists of multiple large greenhouses jam-packed full of old toys and memorabilia, all categorised and waiting for you to explore.

The museum has a large car park.

Review

This is by far one of the strangest museums I’ve ever visited. Linked to the Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan, both of these are a must visit if you want to experience the weird side of Japan. The museum is literally jam-packed with old toys, clothes, posters and memorabilia. It feels like people have donated their old, unwanted items and this museum found a home and even categorised them. You will leave not knowing what you just witnessed so if that’s your sort of thing then I definitely recommend visiting. If not then give this a miss. There are also multiple “over 18” sections although these aren’t very well advertised.

Walking up to the gate and seeing the first greenhouse was very awe-inspiring, even more so when you realise how many there are and how full of items they are. “Sera-chan” waits for you at the bottom of the stairs, ready to greet you even if you can’t speak Japanese. Head up the stairs to the actual reception desk and pay the entry fee. You can enter this shack, however I would leave it until last as there are some impressive statues hidden inside.

It’s up to you which order you decide to walk around the exhibit. The categories change, however all of the areas are full of old items which seem to have been discarded by their previous owners. If you manage to reach the top you can even see a self-made shrine.

Seeing all the exhibits takes quite a lot of time so I would leave aside a few hours just for this one museum. It is advertised that disabled people can get a discount, however I would not recommend coming here if you are wheelchair bound or unable to walk much. There are many stairs and some of the areas are very tight fitting so I doubt you’d be able to get a wheelchair through.

ADDRESS

Maboroshi Hakurankai,
1310-1 Futo,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0231

+81557511127 (Japanese only)
https://maboroshi.pandora.nu/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Maboroshi Hakurankai is easier to get to by car and has plenty of parking, however if you wish to travel by public transport then take the JR Ito Line from Atami Station and get off at Ito Station. Change to the bus bound for Izu Shaboten Zoo and alight at Umenokidaira bus stop.