A Tour of the Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum with a Storyteller
The Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum houses a collection of 16,000 artifacts donated from across the country. In 2015, 570 items—including diaries written on birch bark during internment and drawings by survivors—were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
The Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum is a facility dedicated to passing on to future generations the historical facts regarding postwar detention in Siberia and repatriation from overseas, and to widely promoting the value of peace. Inside the museum, in addition to exhibits featuring letters that connected families separated by great distances, as well as clothing and handmade items that helped people endure the harsh conditions of internment, we strive to create exhibits that are easy to understand and deeply moving—even for generations who have never experienced war—through the testimonies of survivors, hands-on activities, and a recreated internment camp where visitors can experience the conditions firsthand. Furthermore, storytellers are stationed on-site to guide visitors and pass on the emotions embedded in these artifacts. On weekends and holidays, we offer “Storyteller Tours,” which are available for a limited time but are guaranteed to take place. On weekdays, visitors are free to approach the storytellers at their convenience to hear explanations—whether about the entire exhibition or just specific areas of interest. You can choose the option that best fits your schedule and preferences. Additionally, for groups seeking in-depth peace education, we offer programs that include lectures by curators and other museum staff held in a separate room. Please consider using our facilities for training trips and educational field trips. For educational field trips in particular, we offer a variety of programs, including hands-on activities (where students can touch exhibits), kamishibai storytelling, guided tours in small groups, and interactions with junior high and high school students active at our museum. ・“Storyteller Tours” (Weekends and Holidays Only) 11:00 AM–, 1:30 PM– *Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation. Reservations can be made via our website. ・Weekday Storyteller Guided Tours: Flexible scheduling *Storytellers are on-site at all times. Please stop by and ask a staff member. • Peace Education Program with Lecture: Includes a lecture and a tour of the museum (90–120 minutes). *Please be sure to contact us in advance (Phone: 0773-68-0836). We may not be able to accommodate your request depending on same-day availability. Generally limited to groups of 20 or more.
Reservations & Registration
Basic Information
- Season
- Year-round
- Closed Days & Excluded Dates
- December 29–January 1, every Wednesday (or the following weekday if Wednesday is a holiday)
- Meeting Time & Hours of Operation
- Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
- Meals
- Available (Meal requests: There is a restaurant on the premises.)
- Language Support
- Staff: Japanese
Guide: Japanese
Brochures are available in Japanese and English. - Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Pricing
- List Price
- ●Admission Fees
Adults: 400 yen
Students (elementary school through college): 150 yen
*However, admission is free for students who live or attend school in the city.
Groups (20 or more adults): 300 yen
Group Students (Elementary School–College) [20 or more people] 100 yen
*However, admission is free for students who live in or attend school within the city.
●Combined Ticket
General Individual: 600 yen / Student Individual: 200 yen
(Admission includes the Repatriation Memorial Museum and the Red Brick Museum.)
● Admission Discount
If you hold a Physical Disability Certificate, a Developmental Disability Certificate, a Mental Health and Welfare Certificate, a War Injury and Illness Certificate, or an Atomic Bomb Survivor Certificate, please present it at the reception desk. Your admission fee will be reduced by half. - Included in Price
- Admission Fee (Guided tours are free)
Access & Meeting Place
- Meeting Place & Ticket Pickup Location
- Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum
1584 Aza Taira, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture - Parking Information
- Free parking available (large buses welcome)
Operator Information
- Operator Name
- Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum
- Address
- 1584 Aza Taira, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone Number
- 0773-68-0836
- Official Website
- https://m-hikiage-museum.jp/
Area & City/Town Introduction (Maizuru City)
Maizuru City, located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, is a beautiful port town surrounded by calm seas!
Here, you can enjoy both a castle town steeped in samurai history and the retro charm of naval history all at once.
The “Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum,” where part of its collection has been designated as a UNESCO Memory of the World, and “Maizuru Red Brick Park,” which is over 100 years old, are must-see spots!
Of course, you won’t want to miss the fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan or exquisite local delicacies like the original “nikujaga” (meat and potato stew).
It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds and leisurely experience authentic Japanese culture!

