Hands-On Wonders by the Sea: Discovering the Fun of ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE KANAZAWA PORT OHNO KARAKURI MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Introduction
Opened in April 1996, the ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE KANAZAWA PORT OHNO KARAKURI MEMORIAL MUSEUM sits gracefully by Kanazawa Port, offering a refined experience for those intrigued by traditional Japanese mechanical art It honors Benkichi Ohno, a pioneering inventor of the late Edo period, within a structure that is itself a feat of creative engineering.

Body

• Designed by renowned architect Shozo Uchii—also known for his work on the Imperial Residence at the Tokyo Palace—the museum’s architecture draws inspiration from the Kitamaebune merchant ships. The elliptical layout, tilted twin columns, and radial beam structure imbue the building with a unique "karakuri spirit."

• Inside, visitors are guided through a serene sequence of lobby, entrance zone, main exhibition room, and gallery space. Around 100 exhibits span seven themed zones, showcasing karakuri puppets, mechanical curiosities, and Ohno’s original inventions.

• A separate annex, the “Karakuri Experience Pavilion for Children,” invites hands-on exploration with about 50 interactive karakuri toys. It also features optical illusion corners and hosts regular parent-child workshops—from wooden crafts to making Kaga miso.
  

• For international visitors, the museum provides multilingual (English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Korean) QR Code guides and leaflets. During live puppet demonstrations, real-time translations are shown on monitors for an inclusive experience.

Conclusion
Just a short trip from central Kanazawa, the ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE KANAZAWA PORT OHNO KARAKURI MEMORIAL MUSEUM offers a rare chance to learn through play. From ingenious mechanical dolls to hands-on workshops and multilingual exhibits, this interactive museum delights curious minds of all ages. For families and culture lovers alike, it’s a joyful gateway into the spirit of traditional Japanese innovation.