Okayama Orient Museum, Sanuki Travel Guide

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Explore 500,000 years of Middle Eastern, Persian, and Mediterranean history at Japan's only public Orient museum in Okayama.

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Okayama Orient Museum

The Okayama Orient Museum is Japan's only public museum dedicated to art and artifacts from the ancient Middle East, Persia, and Mediterranean regions. Its collection of approximately 4,800 items spans from stone tools to Islamic art, offering a glimpse into civilizations dating back 500,000 years.

A brief summary to Okayama Orient Museum

9-31 Tenjincho, Okayama, Tenjincho, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0814, JP
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Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Okayama Orient Museum.

Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate viewing of the exhibits.
Check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions or events that may coincide with your visit.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden.

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Explore Okayama Orient Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Okayama Orient Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From JR Okayama Station (East Exit), the museum is approximately a 15-minute walk. Head east from the station, and follow the signs toward Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden. The museum is located on the way to these attractions.
Public Transport

From JR Okayama Station, take the Okayama Electric Tramway (Line 1) to Shiroshita Station. The tram ride takes about 5 minutes and costs ¥120. From Shiroshita Station, the museum is a short walk to the left.
Taxi

A taxi from JR Okayama Station to the Okayama Orient Museum takes approximately 5 minutes. The fare is around ¥700-¥900.

Discover more about Okayama Orient Museum

Step back in time at the Okayama Orient Museum, a unique institution in Japan dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art and history of the ancient Orient. Opened in 1979, the museum's collection comprises approximately 4,800 artifacts and art objects from regions including Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The museum's collection was founded on a donation from Shinjiro Yasuhara, who gathered the objects with guidance from academics at the University of Tokyo.The museum's exhibits range from stone tools dating back 500,000 years to art from the 19th century. One of the museum's highlights is the Assyrian relief of a Winged Eagle-Headed Spirit (9th century B.C.E.). Other notable items include a vividly colored wood carving of the god Sokar Osiris and a cuneiform clay tablet detailing a land sale contract. The museum also displays pottery, glass, mosaics, and other archaeological finds.The museum building, designed by Shinichi Okada, is inspired by ancient Mesopotamian temples. Natural light is incorporated throughout the building, creating an airy and atmospheric space. Visitors can relax in the "Hikariniwa" (light garden), inspired by the courtyards of aristocratic mansions.Located a short distance from Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden, the Okayama Orient Museum provides a rich cultural experience.