Located in Tokorozawa Sakura Town in Saitama Prefecture, just outside Tokyo, the Kadokawa Musashino Museum is one of Japan’s most spectacular and innovative cultural landmarks. Opened in November 2020, this striking building fuses art, literature, anime, and architecture into a single, multidimensional experience.
Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum is a dazzling fusion of stone, light, and imagination—symbolizing the boundary between the real and the fantastical. It’s a must-visit destination for art lovers, anime fans, and anyone interested in modern Japanese culture.
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A Monument of Stone and Story
The museum’s exterior immediately captivates visitors. The building appears like a giant crystalline monolith, seemingly erupted from the earth. Constructed with over 20,000 granite stones, the structure weighs approximately 1,200 tons and stands as one of Kengo Kuma’s most ambitious works.
Its shape evokes both the rugged geology of the Musashino Plateau and the idea of a “knowledge rock”—a mountain of information and creativity. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, the façade changes color, from soft gray in the morning to glowing silver and gold at sunset.
Concept and Purpose
The Kadokawa Musashino Museum is part of the broader Tokorozawa Sakura Town complex, developed by Kadokawa Corporation, one of Japan’s leading publishers. The site aims to blend pop culture, literature, technology, and regional tradition—a modern reimagining of what a “cultural hub” can be.
The museum’s concept is summarized in three themes:
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Fusion of Culture and Nature
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Connection of the Real and Virtual Worlds
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Celebration of Japanese Creativity
Highlights of the Museum
1. Bookshelf Theater (本棚劇場 – Hondana Gekijō)
The most famous and photographed attraction in the museum, the Bookshelf Theater is a breathtaking hall lined with bookshelves rising 8 meters high and filled with around 50,000 books.
When illuminated, the books themselves become part of a stunning projection mapping show, where words and images flow across the shelves to create an immersive visual symphony. It’s both a library and a performance space—a living celebration of literature.
Visitors can freely browse the shelves, which include novels, art books, and rare publications by Kadokawa.
2. EJ Anime Museum (EJアニメミュージアム)
A paradise for anime fans, this section regularly hosts large-scale exhibitions dedicated to popular franchises such as “Evangelion,” “Sword Art Online,” “Re:Zero,” and “Attack on Titan.”
Through original artwork, life-size displays, and interactive installations, the EJ Anime Museum celebrates both classic and contemporary anime culture. Each exhibit is temporary and themed, so there’s always something new to discover.
3. Manga & Light Novel Library
Kadokawa is one of Japan’s biggest publishers of manga and light novels, and this area pays tribute to those works. Visitors can explore vast collections and learn about the creative process behind some of Japan’s most influential stories.
4. Art Gallery 1 & 2
These galleries showcase a wide range of exhibitions—from contemporary art and digital installations to photography, architecture, and traditional crafts. The curation frequently changes, often featuring collaborations between artists, scientists, and writers.
5. Restaurant & Bookstore
On the lower floors, you’ll find SACULA DINER, a stylish restaurant serving Western-inspired Japanese dishes made with local ingredients. The on-site Kadokawa bookstore sells a wide selection of art books, novels, anime goods, and limited-edition souvenirs.
Tokorozawa Sakura Town: The Cultural Complex
The museum is the centerpiece of Tokorozawa Sakura Town, a large-scale cultural and entertainment district built on the site of a former printing plant. The area includes:
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Japan’s largest shrine dedicated to anime culture, the Musashino Reiwa Shrine, designed by Kengo Kuma
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Hotels, restaurants, and cafes themed around pop culture
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Kadokawa offices, event halls, and a seasonal illumination park
At night, the complex glows with LED lighting and projections, creating a futuristic yet serene atmosphere.
Events and Activities
The museum and Sakura Town regularly host:
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Art and literature festivals
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Anime and pop culture exhibitions
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Outdoor film screenings
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Seasonal light displays and food events
These events attract visitors from all over Japan and abroad, making it a dynamic year-round destination.
Practical Information
Address:
3-31-3 Higashi-Tokorozawa Wada, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture 359-0023
Opening Hours:
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10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Fri–Wed)
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Closed Thursdays (except holidays)
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Hours may vary for special exhibitions
Admission:
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Varies by exhibition; general admission ¥1,200–¥2,000
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Discounts available for students and online reservations
Access:
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From Ikebukuro Station, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Tokorozawa Station, then transfer to the Seibu Sayama Line for Higashi-Tokorozawa Station (about 40–50 minutes total).
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The museum is a 10-minute walk from the station.
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Free shuttle buses may operate during major events.
Tips for Visitors
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Reserve tickets online in advance, especially for the Bookshelf Theater and anime exhibitions.
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Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
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Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods are restricted.
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Check the event calendar before visiting—exhibits change frequently.
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Combine your trip with a visit to Kengo Kuma’s Musashino Reiwa Shrine, located next to the museum.
Why You Should Visit
The Kadokawa Musashino Museum is unlike any museum in Japan—or anywhere in the world. It’s a place where ancient mythology meets digital technology, where books, anime, and architecture merge into a single, immersive universe.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, literature lover, or anime fan, this museum represents the cutting edge of Japanese creativity. It’s not just a building filled with art—it’s an experience that celebrates the boundless power of imagination itself.
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Official Website
https://kadcul.com/en
Accommodation sites
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