Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum

In short

This is a museum dedicated to yokai, affectionately known as the "Miyoshi Mononoke Museum." It was established after Yumoto Koichi, an ethnologist and yokai researcher, donated his collection of approximately 5,000 yokai-related materials to Miyoshi City, and it opened on April 26, 2019.

• ​Yokai Collection​​: Yumoto Koichi's vast collection is displayed across various themes, and visitors can trace how the people of Japan have perceived and depicted yokai
• ​The World of Ino Mononokeroku​​: Centered on books and picture scrolls, this exhibit introduces the "Ino Mononokeroku," an Edo-period yokai tale set in Miyoshi, along with its real-life protagonist and the historical background of his era
• ​teamLab Yokai Park​​: A permanently installed digital art attraction where both children and adults can have fun learning about yokai while drawing pictures and moving their bodies

History and Highlights

The ​Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum​ is a museum dedicated to yokai (supernatural monsters and spirits) and is affectionately known as the "Miyoshi Mononoke Museum." It was established after Yumoto Koichi, an ethnologist and yokai researcher, donated his collection of approximately 5,000 yokai-related materials to Miyoshi City, opening its doors on April 26, 2019 (Heisei 31).

Miyoshi is the setting of the "Ino Mononokeroku," a yokai tale from the Edo period. It tells the story of Ino Budayu, a real-life samurai of the Hiroshima Domain, who as a youth named Heitaro, endured 30 consecutive days of encounters with apparitions and strange phenomena. From the Edo period to the present day, this tale has inspired picture books, picture scrolls, manga, and more. The museum stands in Miyoshi-machi, a place closely associated with this story.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Yokai Collection​​: Yumoto Koichi's vast collection is displayed across various themes. Through these artifacts, visitors can trace how the people of Japan have perceived and depicted yokai over time. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, special exhibitions covering diverse themes are also held.
• ​The World of Ino Mononokeroku​​: Centered on books and picture scrolls, this exhibit introduces the real-life protagonist, the historical background of his era, and the enduring charm of the story as it has been passed down in various forms. You can immerse yourself in this world right in the town where the tale unfolded.
• ​teamLab Yokai Park​​: The digital art attraction "teamLab Yokai Park" is permanently installed here. Both children and adults can have fun learning about yokai while drawing pictures and moving their bodies.

Tips for Exploring

Near the museum lies the cobblestone Miyoshi Hondori Shopping Street, where locations associated with the Ino Mononokeroku are scattered about. A stroll through Miyoshi-machi is recommended, pairing your visit with the Tsujimura Jusaburo Doll Museum facing the street. It is approximately a 5-minute drive from Miyoshi Station.