If you’re interested in the history of postal services and stamps, then the Postal Museum Japan should be on your to-do list. Located in Tokyo’s SKYTREE Town Solamachi, the museum showcases the evolution of Japan’s postal system and its impact on society.
The museum features a vast collection of stamps from around the world, including Japan’s first stamps issued in 1871. Visitors can also learn about the history of Japan’s postal, savings, and simple insurance systems, including the country’s first post and postman’s uniforms and bags.
There are also interactive exhibits, such as the Postman, a post-delivery simulator, and the Postcard Creator, which lets you create your own original postcards.
Key Takeaways
- The Postal Museum Japan is located in Tokyo’s SKYTREE Town Solamachi.
- Showcases the evolution of Japan’s postal system.
- The collection includes stamps from around the world, including Japan’s first stamps issued in 1871.
- Open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, with the last admission at 5:00 pm.
- The museum only requires 30-60 minutes to explore, but you can spend hours looking at the stamp collection.
- Note that you will need to switch elevators on the 8th floor to reach the museum on the 9th floor.
Visiting Postal Museum Japan
If you are interested in the history of postal services and want to learn more about how the modern postal service was introduced to Japan, Postal Museum Japan is a great place to visit. The museum is on the 9th floor of the Solamachi Mall in Tokyo Skytree Town.
The museum has a vast collection of stamps from all over the world. In fact, it is home to the largest collection of stamps in Japan, with over 330,000 stamps on display. Visitors can explore the history of Japan’s postal, savings, and simple insurance system, including Japan’s first post (imitation) and postman’s uniforms and bags.
One of the popular attractions at the museum is the Postman, a post-delivery simulator, where you can experience the life of a postman. The “Postcard Creator” also lets you create your own original postcards. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase stamps and other postal-related items.
The museum is open from 10.00am-5.30pm, with the last admission at 5.00 pm. Visitors can go up to the 9th floor from 10.00 am. It is important to note that pets are not allowed to enter the museum. However, trained guide dogs, service dogs, etc. are permitted to enter with customers with disabilities.
The museum is not easy to find as visitors need to switch elevators on the 8th floor. English explanations are limited, but the museum is definitely worth a quick visit.
Exhibitions and Collections
The Postal Museum Japan is a fascinating museum that showcases the history of Japan’s postal, savings, and simple insurance system. The museum boasts an impressive collection of exhibits that includes Japan’s first postage stamp vending machine, produced in 1904 during the Meiji era. Visitors can also see the “Electriciteit” friction generator, which was fabricated by Hiraga Gennai from 1776 to 1779 and is designated as an important cultural property.
In addition to these exhibits, the Postal Museum Japan also features postman’s uniforms and bags, as well as Japan’s first post (imitation). Visitors can even experience what it’s like to be a postman with the post-delivery simulator, or create their own original postcards using the “Postcard Creator.”
The museum regularly updates its exhibitions to keep visitors engaged and interested. In the past, the museum has hosted exhibitions on topics such as the history of postal communication in Japan, the evolution of postal stamps, and the development of postal transportation. Visitors can explore these exhibits and learn about the fascinating history of Japan’s postal system.
History of Postal Museum Japan
Postal Museum Japan has a history that dates back to 1902 when the Ministry of Communications opened the Postal Museum as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of joining the Universal Postal Union (UPU). In 2006, the museum was renamed Postal Museum Japan and became a subsidiary of Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.
The collection features various exhibits that showcase the history of Japan’s postal, savings, and simple insurance system. Visitors can explore the evolution of the postal system in Japan, from its inception to the modern-day, and learn about the unique challenges and innovations that have shaped the country’s postal service.
One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is the “Birth of Japan’s Post,” which explores the history of the modern postal system in Japan. This exhibit features a wide range of artifacts that showcase the evolution of the postal system, including old mail collection boxes dating back to the Meiji era, uniforms worn by postal workers over time, and even artworks depicting mail carriers.
Facilities and Services
The Postal Museum Japan offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all visitors. Here are some of the key features:
- Audio Guides: Visitors can rent audio guides for an additional fee, which provide detailed explanations of the exhibits in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
- Café: The museum has a café on the 9th floor, which offers snacks and drinks. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the views of Tokyo Skytree.
- Gift Shop: The museum has a gift shop on the 9th floor, which offers a range of souvenirs, including postcards, stamps, and stationery.
- Lockers: Visitors can rent lockers to store their bags and belongings while exploring the museum.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps available throughout the building. Additionally, there are rest areas and accessible restrooms available on each floor.
The Sum Up
The Postal Museum Japan is a fascinating museum that offers a unique perspective on the history of Japan’s postal service. Visitors can explore the origins of the museum, which dates back to 1902, and learn about the role of the postal service in Japan’s economic development.
One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of stamps from around the world. The museum has a huge collection of stamps that will interest both stamp collectors and those interested in the history of postal services.
Note that Once you arrive, you will need to switch elevators on the 8th floor to reach the museum on the 9th floor.
Overall, the Postal Museum Japan should be on your to-do list for those interested in the history of postal services and stamp collecting. The museum offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s postal history and its role in the country’s economic development.
Visitor Information
Information Category | Details |
---|---|
Name | Postal Museum Japan (郵政博物館) |
Address | 3-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8931, Japan (Located inside JP Tower KITTE) |
Ticket Cost | Adults: 300 JPY, College Students: 200 JPY, High School Students and below: Free |
Opening Times | 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry at 17:30); Closed on Mondays and New Year’s holidays |
Website | https://www.postalmuseum.jp/en/ |
Nearby Hotels | |
Luxury | Palace Hotel Tokyo – 0.8 km, |
The Peninsula Tokyo – 1 km, | |
Mid-range | The Tokyo Station Hotel – 0.3 km, |
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi – 0.4 km, | |
Budget | Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo – 0.5 km, |
APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae – 1.3 km, |