Takayama Tours
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The exhibition room divided into art, history, natural history, and books is outstanding! Not only works, but also the beauty of architecture and space are attractive! Immerse yourself in the art world in a healing space surrounded by French limestone. Fun for the whole family!
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-100, max of 6 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket


  • Admission fee
  • Entry/Admission - Hikaru Museum


  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 232110P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travellers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 232110P1

From
AU$10.11
per adult
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About the operator
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  • Hikaru Museum
    86
    Japan
    Joined in February 2012
  • Gukki2612
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive building worth a visit on bad weather days
    Visit this place for its amazing architecture. As for what is inside the building, the opinion seems to be divided but its a little bit of everything under the sun from dinosaurs to modern art. There was also a temporary exhibition of Ichiro, the legendary Baseball player during my visit. The museum is run by a religious organization (Mahikari) and I am guessing the staff consists of followers. You can take photos of the building and some other objects like dinosaurs but otherwise photography is prohibited inside the building. I wouldn't visit Takayama solely for this museum but it is a good option for bad weather days.
    Written 8 May 2019
  • Bally1966
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A pleasant surprise
    Frankly, before coming, I was simply looking for something to kill time. But it turned out to be a nice experience. The architecture is quite interesting. Basically, it’s a pyramid. And this allowed a lot of space for its main exhibition floor. The Noh stage was quite impressive. And its gallery has paintings by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Not many but this Museum has something to offer. Will return if it has some special exhibitions.
    Written 6 April 2019
  • DeannaP-AZ
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very beautiful and moving
    Start on the 3rd floor and definitely visit your local center of Sukyo Mahikari, Centers For Spiritual Development for a complimentary Light Session. It is life changing.
    Written 16 February 2019
  • Corb2000
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Architecturally very impressive even before you consider the exhibits or religious origins
    This was on my 'must see' list and it did not disappoint, from first impressions throughout the extensive interior this is a very impressive complex, not just for its ambitious design but also for the exceptional quality of the construction. The building has a wide variety of internal spaces, some strikingly original (the entrance tunnel and worship area), others more like an office block or shopping mall (the escalators adjoining the main display area), yet everything has been designed and constructed with the same attention to detail. Staff stated several different rules regarding photography, from no photos of the art exhibits to no photos at all of the interior. I undoubtedly pushed my luck with the photos but it is a very photogenic building... The art collection is impressive and the galleries were virtually empty, but for me it was rather overwhelmed by its surroundings. The areas describing the religion, its founder and beliefs were fascinating too, they just added to the 'otherness' of this place.
    Written 19 December 2018
  • venividivice
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jaw-dropping in its scale
    This museum is jaw-dropping in its scale. I can't imagine what it cost to erect, and I failed in trying to discover who paid for it all, although there does seem to be a link to a new Japanese "religion" known as Mahikari. Whatever...it is immense, and rather attractive, with clear allusions to ancient Egypt in it's design. I found it very impressive externally and internally. As for content, it is a bit mixed. There was a splendid exhibition of Hokusai prints when we were there, but we found much of the other exhibits we had time to look at rather random -- some good, some leaving you scratching your head. But, in my view, well worth visiting just for the building itself
    Written 2 June 2018
  • Kerrie H
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting gallery
    We enjoyed our gallery experience, they had an exhibition on display that had the Hokusai print of the great wave off Kanagawa. Very excited to see this, very helpful, friendly staff.
    Written 11 May 2018
  • emmawatt74
    0 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Vast empty museum
    Worth a visit for its strangeness alone. Designed for vast numbers of visitors the museum was almost empty on a Saturday apart from us. Small but interesting collection of western artwork and special Hokusai exhibition were worth seeing. Archaeology rooms etc were extremely dated looking. The museum was so curious a kind of 1980/90s feel with Frank Lloyd Wright and Mayan influences we tried to research the architect on our return without success but discovered the museum was founded (and presumably still kept afloat) by a strange religious group...
    Written 27 April 2018
  • Buckster21
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An unusual find
    Who would expect a Mayan pyramid, mainly buried under a hillside, in the Takayama suburbs? Packed with ancient and other artefacts, as well as anthropological and archeological exhibits, this vast complex is informative and has plenty to occupy children, who can dress up as Pharoah, reassemble broken pots and handle fossils. You will need a taxi from the centre of Takayama but the small cost will be worth it.
    Written 23 August 2017
  • GCCM78
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for Art lovers
    Although a little out of the way,it is a must see for art lovers,who appreciate art for the 1800 up to modern days. It depicts Japanese artists from those eras,and all the work is framed and laid out in a HUGE gallery. There is a coffee shop connected at the end.
    Written 5 June 2017
  • Shlomi T
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    DO NOT MISS this place, if you are an art lover (any art) !!!
    DO NOT MISS this place, if you are an art lover (any art) !!! The best art museum, I have seen in Japan. A wide selection of arts : European, Japanese, abstract and so on. The building complex is HUGE and so beautiful. Not too many people gets there, and they should. It belong to a religious group in Japan, one that worship the sun, but if you ignore the affiliation to the religion and just enjoy the art there, you will NOT be disappointed. It is absolutely rewarding !! I would love to go again. Not much in English, that they have to improve, but you can enjoy the countless objects, with your eyes. A MUST when in Takayama !!
    Written 21 March 2017
  • Greenhorn
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A different kind of museum
    Lots of archaeology exhibits, ancient civilization of Japan, there is also a video screening of the founder of Sukyo Mahikari. Informative, interesting, spirituality, a must visit in Takayama. Also various exhibitions are held.
    Written 14 November 2016
  • Geoffrey T
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The inside and outside of the building is very impressive.
    The architecture of the building is a mixture of Azetic and Mayan. The history of civilisation in human is very interesting and informative. Day visit may not enough to see everything. The staffs are very polite and willing to dispense information. The artifacts are impressive and interesting .
    Written 22 May 2016
  • henricus v
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A surprising Jewel
    The Hikaru Museum was a real discovery for us. It was not listed in our (some dated ?) guidebook, neither was it mentionned by our group guide. We saw a poster of an occasional exhibit of a Japanes clay/earh master and so we went : what a surprising jewel. Well located on a hilly side a bit at the outskirts. Majestic entrance, the building giving an architectural inspiration of an Inca tempel. The inside entrance corridor masterfully decoreted by the master artist, the central covered coutyard spacious and full of variety of light. The collection are intersting, from a few western impressionist, over japanese impresionist artist to contemporary art and also old prints, scrolls, tapistry, etc. A must when visiting Takayama.
    Written 11 May 2016
  • rookstar81
    0 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Is this a cult?
    One of the strangest places I have been to. After the 1st and 2nd floor it thought this place was weird... and then the 3rd floor made me understand. This is some sort of cult who have spent and absolute bomb on a strange self prophesisng building whilst claiming to be for people and giving back. It would be a good set for a horror film. Give it a miss.
    Written 5 February 2016
  • Junichi38
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth visiting when you come to takayama
    They got amazingly extensive collections of valuable items from all over the world! I was surprised to find such a place in small town of takayama. Their explanatory sign boards are informative enough, and it is really worth visiting.
    Written 7 November 2015
See all 86 reviews
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles3 reviews
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Japan Fan
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
My friend had a special appointment to take care of and suggested to me that I go the Hikaru Museum. I decided to go and it was magical. There was an exhibit from the Egyptian dynasty, as well as wonderful artworks and calligraphies. I'm so glad I could visit. Also, the staff were all very helpful and kind, and I was surprised at one point in my visit as there was a lovely "light show" in an assembly area. I wasn't expecting that at all! It was subtle beautiful! I highly recommend everyone visit this lovely place.

I had lunch at the restaurant and the atmosphere and food were very good, though the curried rice was quite spicy.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DayTrip31370575588
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023 • Couples
This places is amazing, a art piece of architecture. A must see and experience if you are in the area.
Written 3 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Light Museum provided by Hikaru Museum

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