It's a cute building, and we had the chance to tour it.
There's a diorama that recreates the procession of the Korean diplomatic mission, as well as panels explaining its history and route. If you request, the reception staff will provide an explanation.
In the back, two actual danjiri floats used in the Ushimado Autumn Festival are on display, which you can see up close and also watch a video of the festival.
Apparently, the building was formerly a police station.
From the ocean side, you can see both the cute building and the three-story pagoda of Honrenji Temple (which served as lodging for the Korean envoys).
The inside is small, but they also have costumes worn by the Korean envoys, and apparently you can try them on if you wish.
Admission is 300 yen, and it's right in front of the Honrenji bus stop.
The museum (30-minute walk) is located in front of the hotel, but there is no parking.
You can enter the museum and get a feel for Ushimado's history, or even if you can't, you can enjoy the architecture, which gives you a sense of the era. (Only from the ocean side, though.)
The information boards in Ushimado Town are a great place to stroll around.
This museum is located near Ushimado Port. Its elegant Western-style architecture, formerly a police station, is eye-catching.
The exhibits are divided into two main sections. One is about the Korean envoys who passed through here during the Edo period.
Ushimado has long flourished as a port where people waited for good winds and tides, and it has close ties to the Korean envoys. Their history is explained in an easy-to-understand manner, using dioramas and other displays.
The other is the danjiri, a folklore tradition of Ushimado. Unlike the float-shaped danjiri of the Kinki region, these danjiri are boat-shaped.
Two of these majestic danjiri are on permanent display inside the museum, and there is also a video showing the Ushimado Autumn Festival, where a large number of danjiri floats are gathered.
While these two exhibits may not seem directly related, there are likely many connections between them, such as the dances performed at the festival featuring clearly Korean-style costumes.
It makes you realize once again the depth of Ushimado's history.
The highlights of the facility are the history of the Korean missions and the ships. It is a facility where you can learn about the history of the Seto Inland Sea and the culture of the region. I was surprised at how kind and polite the staff were. The ferry terminal is nearby and there is ample parking.
Adult admission is ¥500, while children's tickets are ¥300. Group discounts are available for larger parties. These fees provide access to both permanent and seasonal exhibitions within the museum.
Yes, the museum is family-friendly with interactive exhibits and educational displays designed for visitors of all ages. Children can learn about marine life and traditional fishing culture through engaging presentations.
Most visitors spend approximately 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum's exhibitions. If you're particularly interested in maritime culture or want to thoroughly read all displays and watch any video presentations, you might allocate up to 2 hours. The museum's compact size makes it easy to visit as part of a broader Ushimado coastal exploration.
From Okayama, take the JR Ako Line to Oku Station, then board a Ryobi Bus bound for Ushimado for a 15-minute ride to the museum. If you're driving, the museum is approximately 50 minutes from Okayama via Route 250. The coastal location makes it accessible as part of a Setouchi area tour.
