The story of “Momotaro” begins with the famous lines: “Grandfather went to the mountains to gather firewood, while Grandmother went to the river to wash clothes...” Okayama Prefecture is widely known as the birthplace of Momotaro.
On the first floor of the Momotarou-no-Karakuri-Hakubutsukan (Momotaro Mechanical Museum), visitors can enjoy optical illusions and hands-on attractions such as the “Oni-ga-shima Cave Exploration.”
The second floor features historical materials collected personally by the museum’s director, who is known as a passionate “Momotaro collector.”
Although the version of the story known today is the most familiar, the legend of Momotaro has taken on different forms depending on the region and historical era. The museum’s explanations and comparisons of these variations are especially fascinating for adult visitors.
Exhibits such as illustrated Momotaro books published by various publishers, along with ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period, are also highlights that appeal to adults.
In the museum’s video theater, visitors can watch a rare animated film based on Momotaro that was produced during wartime Japan.