What other travelers are saying about Murakami City Local Museum
In Murakami, Niigata, the floats pulled during festivals are called "oshagiri." This local history museum displays these oshagiri. Every July 7th, the Murakami Grand Festival takes place, featuring three mikoshi portable shrines and nineteen oshagiri parading through the city.
I came to the Oshagiri Hall for the first time in several years. Here you can learn about the origins of the Murakami Festival and experience the festive atmosphere. Historical materials from the Murakami domain are also on display. Don't forget to check out the manhole covers!
The history of Murakami City's famous festival, the Murakami Grand Festival, was clearly explained through exhibits, including the history of Oshagiri and Murakami Castle. Admission is 300 yen. The exhibit features floats called Oshagiri. On the first floor, you can see Oshagiri, while on the second floor, you can see historical documents from past feudal lords, as well as swords and armor.
I thought it would only be Oshagiri, but the second floor had an exhibition of past feudal lords, including armor and swords, which was really interesting!
With the recent boom in swords and warlords, perhaps they could promote these a bit more?
Admission is 300 yen.
You can purchase a ticket to include admission to the adjacent facility.
The first floor features festival-related exhibits, and the second floor features historical exhibits.
It's definitely worth a look.
The Murakami City Local Museum typically operates from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with last admission at 4:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) and during the New Year period from December 29 to January 3. It's advisable to check for any temporary closures before visiting, particularly during exhibition changeovers.
Photography policies vary by exhibition area. Generally, flash photography and tripod use are prohibited throughout the museum to protect the artifacts. Some special exhibitions may restrict photography entirely, while permanent collection areas typically allow personal photography without flash. Video recording is usually not permitted. Signs at each gallery entrance indicate the specific photography rules for that section.
The museum provides English-language pamphlets at the reception desk that outline the main exhibitions and collection highlights. However, most exhibit labels and detailed descriptions remain in Japanese only. Audio guides are not currently available. Visitors who require English interpretation may consider arranging a guide through the Murakami Tourism Association in advance, particularly for group visits.
The museum shop sells books, postcards, and small souvenir items related to the exhibitions, including some replica crafts, but does not function as a retail outlet for authentic Murakami carved lacquerware. For purchasing genuine lacquerware pieces, visitors should visit the dedicated workshops and shops in the traditional machiya district, located between the museum and the station, where artisans sell their work directly.
The museum building is equipped with wheelchair accessibility features including ramps, an elevator to upper floors, and accessible restroom facilities. Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge from the reception desk on a first-come basis. The exhibition spaces have level flooring throughout, making navigation comfortable for elderly visitors and those with mobility limitations. Parking spaces for visitors with disabilities are available in the museum parking lot.
