Meiji Village in Miyagi

Travel Back to the Meiji Era in Toyoma, Tome City

In the quiet northern part of Miyagi Prefecture lies Toyoma Town in Tome City—a place where the spirit of Japan’s modernization in the Meiji period still lingers in the air.
Meiji Village in Miyagi is a rare destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the charm and history of the era through its preserved architecture.
Lined with Western-style buildings and wooden structures blending Japanese and Western design, the streets feel like a living textbook of the Meiji era.

As you stroll through the beautiful townscape, you'll feel as though you've stepped into the daily lives of Meiji-era people—a strange yet comforting sense of nostalgia gently takes hold.

Explore Masterpieces of Wooden Architecture: The Education and Police Archives

The symbolic heart of Miyagi’s Meiji Village is the Education Archive, housed in the former Toyoma Elementary School, a wooden structure built in 1888 and now a National Important Cultural Property.
With its original classrooms and assembly hall preserved, the building offers a glimpse into Japan’s early modern education system and invites visitors to travel back in time.

Nearby is the Police Archive, located in the former Toyoma Police Station, a designated Prefectural Cultural Property that was in use from 1889 to 1968.
Inside its classic exterior, visitors will find displays of old uniforms, interrogation rooms, and rare documents—giving insight into the foundations of Japan’s modern police system.

Strolling Through a Town Where Meiji Elegance Meets Modern Charm

The entire area has been carefully preserved and designed to resemble an open-air museum.
Every corner of the town offers photogenic scenes—from cobbled paths and tiled roofs to buildings that mix Western windows with traditional Japanese exteriors.
Wearing Meiji-era costumes for commemorative photos is a popular activity, and the village has become a hit on Instagram and travel blogs as a “hidden gem” of historical Japan.

A Restful Break at Shunrantei: A Taste of Old-Japan Hospitality

During your walk, be sure to stop by Shunrantei, a traditional samurai residence turned teahouse.
With its earthen floors, irori hearth, and classic tatami rooms, the space preserves the atmosphere of life stretching from the Edo period into Meiji.

Here, you can enjoy a peaceful moment with tea and traditional Japanese sweets in a quiet, timeless setting.
Unlike modern cafés, Shunrantei offers the rare experience of feeling part of a bygone lifestyle—an experience unique to this historical haven.

 

A Quiet Journey That Soothes the Mind and Awakens the Soul

The lovingly preserved architecture, the warmth of the local community, and the gentle flow of time remind visitors of the simple joy of travel itself.
As you reflect on Japan’s steps toward modernization, this half-day trip offers quiet inspiration and insight.

Miyagi’s Meiji Village is not a flashy tourist attraction, but a thoughtful, gentle destination—perfect for travelers seeking quiet emotion, history, and a deeper connection to Japan’s past.