Uchiko Museum of Historical Commerce and Life

The Uchiko Museum of Historical Commerce and Life features a wide variety of life-sized displays of what living in Uchiko was like during its glorious golden ages in the Edo (1603–1867) and Meiji (1868–1912) periods of Japan. You will see meticulously arranged restaurants, pharmacies, general stores, and residential homes. Merchant houses were, and still are, common in Japan, where merchants will build residential spaces above their shops.

The history of Uchiko and its candle making industry that is still preserved to this day (though to a much lesser extent) is a fascinating one. You can read the many pieces of information and study artifacts from Uchiko’s past that are scattered all over the museum. Life-sized dolls are placed within the displays to showcase various daily activities and tasks undertaken by the common people back then, such as cooking, grinding medicinal ingredients, and socializing over tea.

Don’t forget to stop by the museum shop for some souvenirs and traditional snacks. In addition, the town of Uchiko surrounding the museum is an amazing and unique place to explore. One can spend a few hours finding something new at every turn.