[Gunma, Nakanojo] Experience Japanese history in a wooden school building from the Meiji era

• Table of Contents
• Nakanojo Town History and Folklore Museum "Musee" Visitor Guide
• Wooden school building constructed in 1885
• Learn about Nakanojo's history through over 7,000 documents
• Seasonal Special Exhibition "Doll Festival Exhibition"
• Access information
• summary

Nakanojo Town History and Folklore Museum "Musee" Visitor Guide

Many travelers to Japan choose famous cities like Tokyo and Kyoto as their destinations, but many also want to experience the unique history and culture of Japan's regions.

Nakanojo Town , located in the northwest of Gunma Prefecture , is home to the Nakanojo Town History and Folklore Museum "Musee," which utilizes a wooden school building built in the Meiji era.

In this article, we will introduce all the information you need to know before visiting Japan, including architectural features, exhibits, seasonal special exhibitions, and how to get there.

Wooden school building constructed in 1885

Architectural beauty and the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship

The first thing that catches your eye when you visit the Musee is its unique architectural beauty. The Musee building was constructed in 1885 (Meiji 18) as Azuma Third Elementary School. It is one of the oldest remaining school buildings in Gunma Prefecture and is currently designated as an Important Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture.

The architectural style is Gyofu Kenchiku, a unique style that was created during the Meiji period by imitating Western architecture while using traditional Japanese techniques.

At the time, Japan had just ended its isolation and was rapidly beginning to adopt Western culture. However, there were no blueprints or techniques for authentic Western-style architecture in the countryside. Therefore, carpenters recreated Western designs by "copying" with the limited information they had.

Although the exterior looks like a Western-style building, the roof tiles and structure are pure Japanese architecture. This building is imbued with the passion to move forward into a new era and the pride of the craftsmen who uphold tradition.

The wooden school building speaks to you with sound and light

As you take off your shoes and step inside, the gentle scent of wood fills the air. You can hear the creaking sound of the floorboards as you walk down the corridors -- a sound that remains unchanged for 140 years, a "sound of memory" of this building.

Learn about Nakanojo's history through over 7,000 documents

Regional history from primitive times to modern times

The museum houses and displays over 7,000 historical and folklore materials, covering the history of Nakanojo Town and the Agatsuma region from the Jomon period to the Meiji period and beyond.

Agatsuma region and ninjas during the Sengoku period

The Agatsuma region was an important military region during the Sengoku period. It has a particularly strong connection with the Sengoku warlords, the Sanada clan. It is said that the local samurai who served the Sanada clan and were responsible for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance were active as "ninjas."

The exhibit explains the strategic importance of the Agatsuma region through mountain castle ruins and materials from the Sengoku period.
The museum introduces the role and activities of ninjas during the Sengoku period.

Seasonal Special Exhibition "Doll Festival Exhibition"

Experience traditional Japanese events

Every year from February to March, a special exhibition called "Doll Festival Exhibition" is held. Hina dolls are displayed in the museum to coincide with the traditional Japanese event, "Doll Festival."

Event period: Saturday, February 7th, 2026 - Sunday, March 15th, 2026

Gorgeous Hina dolls from the Edo period to the present day and elaborate Hina accessories are on display.

*In addition, a mini special exhibition , "Showa Era Lifestyle and Tools," will also be held during the Showa exhibition.

Access information

Directions from Tokyo(by public transport)

Tokyo Station/ Ueno Station → Limited Express "Kusatsu/Shima" → Nakanojo Station (no transfers)

Tokyo Station or Ueno Station → Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen → Takasaki Station → JR Agatsuma Line → Nakanojo Station

●From Nakanojo Station to the Museum

Walking: Approximately 15 minutes

Bus: Take the Kan- Shima Onsen or Sawando Onsen and get off at "Hakubutsukan-mae" stop.

By car

Approximately 40 minutes from Shibukawa-Ikaho IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway

Free parking available

summary

Nakanojo Town History and Folklore Museum "Musee" is a museum where you can experience architecture and local history all at once.

Unlike famous tourist destinations, you can learn about the history and culture of Japan's regional areas in a relaxed environment. This is a highly valuable destination for foreign visitors visitors to Japan who want to learn about the history of the region.

Facility information

Facility name: Nakanojo Town Museum of History and Folk “Musee”

Official website: https://www.town.nakanojo.gunma.jp/site/myuze/

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)

Closed: Thursdays (open on public holidays), New Year's holidays