Greater Tokyo

CHIBA

Urayasu City Folk Museum

Step Back in Time to Experience Life in a Traditional Japanese Fishing Village

Discover Urayasu's rich maritime heritage at this immersive community museum, featuring a full-scale recreation of a 1952 fishing town complete with wooden houses, narrow alleys, and authentic cultural exhibits.
Culture & Arts Experience & Activities

Journey through time at Urayasu City Folk Museum, where the bustling fishing village that once defined this coastal community comes alive before your eyes.

Before Urayasu became known for its modern attractions (such as its Disney Resort), it thrived as a vibrant fishing town where life revolved around the sea. The Urayasu City Folk Museum preserves this fascinating heritage through thoughtfully curated exhibits that engage all five senses.
The museum's centerpiece is "Urayasu no Machi," an impressive outdoor reconstruction of the town as it appeared in 1952. Wander through remarkably accurate recreations of wooden houses, traditional shops, and narrow winding alleys that transport you directly into post-war coastal Japan. The attention to detail is extraordinary—from the architecture to the everyday objects displayed inside, every element has been carefully restored to reflect authentic period life. You can peer into fish monger shops and explore the spaces where families lived and worked, gaining intimate insight into how residents of this fishing community went about their daily routines.
Beyond the townscape, the museum offers extensive exhibits dedicated to Urayasu's traditional fishing culture. Learn about the bekabune boats that were essential to local fishermen, and discover the tools and techniques that sustained generations of families who made their living from the sea. Real artifacts, informative videos, and engaging hands-on programs bring this maritime heritage to life, showing how deeply intertwined the community was with the ocean.
What makes Urayasu City Folk Museum particularly special is its community-oriented approach. The museum doesn't simply preserve history behind glass cases, but creates an experiential journey that resonates with visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or simply curious about traditional Japanese coastal life, the museum offers something meaningful for everyone.
The museum vividly illustrates Urayasu's remarkable transformation over time, from fishing village to modern city, while ensuring that the stories and traditions of earlier generations are never forgotten.
© Burcu Basar
Phone number
+81-47-305-4300
Business hours
Business hours Opening Hours: 9:30 am–5:00 pm
Holiday
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), days reserved for collection maintenance, the day after public holidays, and the year-end and New Year holidays
Charges
Admission: Free