The Kawaguchiko Music Forest (河口湖オルゴールの森美術館), officially called the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, is a unique museum and theme park dedicated to automatic musical instruments, particularly music boxes and organs. It is located in Fujikawaguchiko, a town in the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan, near the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji.
The museum houses an extensive collection of over 350 music boxes and automatic musical instruments from around the world, spanning various periods and styles. Visitors can admire intricate antique music boxes, witness the impressive sounds of large orchestrions and automatic organs, and learn about the history and evolution of these mechanical marvels. The museum also features regular concerts and demonstrations of these instruments, allowing visitors to experience their enchanting melodies firsthand.
Beyond the museum, the Kawaguchiko Music Forest offers a variety of attractions and facilities. The Rose Garden is a beautiful garden with musical fountains, fragrant roses, and seasonal flowers, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls. The park also features a chapel, a museum shop with a wide selection of music boxes and souvenirs, and a restaurant serving European-inspired cuisine.
Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops, learning about the history and craftsmanship of music boxes and even creating their own personalized music box as a unique memento. Additionally, the museum organizes special events and exhibitions throughout the year, further enriching the visitor experience.
Getting there
By Train
From Tokyo:
- Take the JR Chuo Main Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (about 60 minutes by limited express)
- Transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station (60 minutes)
From Kawaguchiko Station:
- Take the Omni Bus Red Line (Kawaguchiko Line) to Ukai Orugoruno Mori Bijutsukan stop
- Journey time: 25 minutes
By Highway Bus
Direct buses available from:
- Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
- Akihabara Station
- Other major Tokyo stations and airports
By Car
- Use navigation system:
- Enter “かわぐちこおんがくともりのびじゅつかん” or phone number “0555-20-4111”
- Free parking available for museum guests:
- 300 spaces for regular cars
- 30 spaces for buses
From Kawaguchiko Station
- Taxi: 16 minutes, about 2,000 yen
- Kawaguchiko Retro Bus: 26 minutes, 380 yen (get off at Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum stop)
- Weekend/Holiday Shuttle Bus: Runs at 10:35, 11:15, and 11:50 (wait at stop 10)
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Last admission is at 4:30 PM. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. |
| Admission | Weekdays Adults: 1,800yen University students: 1,300yen Elementary school and junior High school students: 1,000 yen Saturdays, Sundays and holidays Adults: 2,100yen University students: 1,600yen Elementary school and junior High school students: 1,300 yen |
| Phone | +81 55-520-4111 |
| Address | 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304 |
| Official website | https://kawaguchikomusicforest.jp/ |
