Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments is a specialized museum that collects musical instruments from around the world. It was established to take advantage of Hamamatsu's historical background as a "town of musical instruments." It features a diverse collection that is systematically exhibited, ranging from Western instruments to Asian and African folk instruments, keyboard instruments, and automatic musical instruments. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits that can be enjoyed not only visually but also aurally, and its appeal lies in the fact that visitors can directly experience the mechanisms of musical instruments and the differences in sound through listening booths where you can hear actual sounds, performance demonstrations, and hands-on programs. The museum also actively promotes educational outreach and special exhibitions, making it a facility where people of all ages can learn about musical culture.
Highlights
- World Musical Instrument Collection: A wide variety of musical instruments, from folk instruments from Asia, Africa, Europe, and America to classical instruments, are exhibited by region and type.
- Historical exhibits of keyboard, string, wind, and percussion instruments: The development process of musical instruments and the differences in their structure are explained in an easy-to-understand manner. You can also see the evolution of old pianos, harpsichords, and string instruments.
- Listening booths and acoustic exhibits: There are booths where you can listen to recordings of the sounds of various instruments, and exhibits where you can experience how sound works. Being able to "experience" sound is a major attraction.
- Demonstration and Experience Corner: Performance demonstrations by curators and guests, and programs where you can touch and experience playing instruments (Reservations may be required depending on the day).
- Special and planned exhibitions: Themed exhibitions and collaborative projects are held from time to time. There are also occasional exhibitions introducing the preservation and restoration of musical instruments.
- Museum Shop: You can purchase books, memorabilia, and sound recordings related to musical instruments (mostly exhibition-related goods).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Hamamatsu Station/Enshu Railway Shin-Hamamatsu Station are the nearest major stations.
- Walking/Bus: You can walk from JR Hamamatsu Station (within walking distance). Another convenient route is to take the city line from the bus terminal in front of the station and get off at the "Act City" or "City Hall" stops. Please check the public transportation information for the latest routes and timetables.
- By car: There is a public parking lot near the museum, but it may be crowded on weekends and during events due to limited space. Please set "Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments" as your destination in your car navigation system.
- *We recommend checking the official website in advance for detailed directions, barrier-free information, and parking location and fees.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Standard tour: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (if viewing all permanent exhibits).
- If you want to enjoy the exhibits thoroughly, the time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (including listening, demonstrations, and special exhibitions).
- If you are traveling with small children or are a music lover looking to explore in detail, please allow yourself even more time.
Nearby spots
- Act City Hamamatsu (hall/concert facility): Combine your visit with a concert or event for a fulfilling day.
- Hamamatsu Castle Park: A historical walking spot. Recommended for combining sightseeing with the museum.
- Hamamatsu City Museum of Art and commercial facilities in the city center (shopping malls and department stores): This is a convenient area for dining and shopping.
- Facilities and showrooms of musical instrument manufacturers (Yamaha, Kawai, etc.): There are many interesting places to visit that are unique to a town of musical instruments.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Closing days and opening hours: Like many museums, the museum is closed on certain days (e.g., every Monday) and on other days to change exhibits, so please check the official website for the latest opening hours before visiting.
- Photography and recording: Photography and recording may be prohibited in some areas of the museum. Please follow the notices posted near the exhibits and the instructions of staff.
- Handling of musical instruments: There are many valuable instruments. Please do not touch them without permission, and please do not touch the instruments except in the experience corners where instructed.
- Crowds: The museum tends to be crowded on weekends, holidays, special exhibitions, and school events. If you want to take your time looking around, we recommend visiting on weekday mornings.
- Children: Please be considerate of those around you as some exhibits make noise. Experience corners may have age restrictions or require reservations.
- Seasonal notes: Opening times may change during summer and winter events, and the New Year holidays, so please check in advance. If you are moving around outdoors, take precautions against the weather.
- Accessibility: Many facilities have step-free access and elevators, but please check the official accessibility guide for details.
*This information is intended as a general guide before you visit. For the latest exhibits, performance schedules, fees, opening hours, and access details, please check the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments' official website or call them.
