Background

Griffis Museum: A Bridge Between Cultures

Explore the legacy of William Elliot Griffis, an American educator who shaped modern Fukui, at his beautifully reconstructed home.

3.8

The Griffis Museum in Fukui City commemorates William Elliot Griffis, an American educator who played a pivotal role in modernizing Fukui's schools during Japan's opening to the West. The museum, a reconstruction of Griffis's former residence, showcases his life and contributions to the region.

A brief summary to Griffis Museum

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • The museum is free to enter, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors.
  • Check out the animated portraits of Griffis and Kusakabe for an engaging and informative introduction to their lives.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Asuwa River, especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
  • Visit the nearby statues of Griffis and Kusakabe near the Asuwa River, a short walk from the museum.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Griffis Museum is located about a 10-15 minute walk west from JR Fukui Station. Exit the station and head west towards the Asuwa River. The museum is located in the Hama-machi district, along the river.

  • Public Transport

    From Fukui Station West Plaza, take a Keifuku Bus towards Undo Kouen or the Shimizu Green Line. Get off at Katamachi Iriguchi and walk south towards Sakurabashi. Alternatively, take the community 'Smile' Bus towards Terute and Asuwa and get off at Hama-machi, next to the museum. The Smile Bus has a flat rate of ¥100.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Fukui Station. A short taxi ride to the Griffis Museum will cost approximately ¥580 for the base fare, which includes the first 1,200 meters, with an additional ¥90 for every 265 meters traveled thereafter.

Unlock the Best of Griffis Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Griffis Museum

The Griffis Museum offers a glimpse into the life and work of William Elliot Griffis (1843–1928), an American educator who significantly impacted the modernization of Fukui during the Meiji Restoration. In 1871, Griffis arrived in Fukui to teach science at the recently established Hankou (Domain School). He built the first American-style chemistry laboratory in Japan and dedicated himself to modernizing the educational system. The museum building is a reconstruction of Griffis's house, blending Japanese and Western architectural elements. While the exterior is faithful to the original design, the interior is an approximation due to limited historical records. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits featuring books, documents, and photographs from Griffis's life, offering insights into a transformative period in Japanese history. Animated portraits of Griffis and his student, Kusakabe Taro, engage visitors with their stories, subtitled in English. Griffis's efforts extended beyond education; he fostered relationships with influential figures and documented his experiences in books that introduced Japan to the world. The museum not only celebrates Griffis's contributions but also commemorates Taro Kusakabe, a student from Fukui who studied in the United States. The museum is located in Hama-machi, a historic district of Fukui City along the Asuwa River.

Popular Experiences near Griffis Museum

Popular Hotels near Griffis Museum

Select Currency