The Folk Museum of Ota Borough spans more than 10,000 years of history, somewhat rare for a local museum. Filled with an eclectic but coherent mix of exhibits that explore different facets of Ota Ward’s long history, the museum serves as an excellent introduction to the deep legacy of Ota’s people. Practice your Japanese reading the labels or simply study the hundreds of artifacts.
Start on the first floor at the special exhibits, where small cases hold rotating displays dedicated to different aspects of Ota Ward’s past. Try hands-on manipulation at the virtual straw work console, which demonstrates how this distinctive art was made during the Edo period.
Head up the stairs to the second floor, where bits of a prehistoric shell mound discovered in the late 19th century by an American zoologist helped scientists learn about the eating habits of ancient Japanese peoples.
Move along the chronological exhibit that traces the evolution of Ota Ward’s material culture, from wooden vessels and ironware to clay rings. Peer down at the huge floor map that demonstrates the water flow of the Tamagawa Aqueduct.
On the third floor, learn about the huge literary artistic output of Ota Ward during the Showa era and inspect old appliances from the period before World War II.
Consult the museum’s announcements page for a chance to sign up for a walking tour of local historical sites, including stops at the former homes of many of the neighborhood’s writers and poets.
Find the Folk Museum of Ota Borough northeast of central Ota Ward. Walk here in less than 10 minutes from the closest train station, which provides many north-south connections within Ota and Tokyo. Take a train to the museum from Haneda International Airport in about 50 minutes, or in 1.5 hours from Chofu Airport. Limited parking is available outside the museum.
Visit the museum for free from Tuesday to Sunday during regular business hours. The building is handicapped-accessible.
