Towel Museum (タオル美術館) is a unique museum that highlights towels and towel-related items. It is located at 2930 Asakura Kamikou, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
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| Towel Museum |
Towel Museum details
Established on April 29, 2000, by the local towel manufacturer Ichihiro Co., Ltd., the Towel Museum ASAKURA stands as a testament to the fusion of nature and artistry. Occupying a five-story structure spanning 3.3 hectares, it embodies a serene retreat, marrying the essence of Asakura's surroundings with the allure of towel craftsmanship.
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| Towel Museum - Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture |
Visitors are greeted with a plethora of attractions, including a showcase of towel art crafted from the finest materials, a journey through the intricate process of cotton to thread, and live demonstrations of towel weaving on authentic machines.
Towel Museum Grounds
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| Towel Museum facade |
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| Chinese Restaurant Wangfujing |
Beyond being the premier destination for towel enthusiasts in western Japan, the museum offers a plethora of experiences. Guests can explore the Shikoku Setouchi product corner, indulge in Fauchon tea at the museum café, or savor innovative Chinese cuisine at Wangfujing restaurant. For a personalized touch, the third-floor towel workshop offers embroidery services, allowing patrons to inscribe their names on purchased towels. Nestled within the sprawling 9.9 hectares "European Garden," an oasis awaits, boasting a diverse array of flora throughout the seasons. This enchanting setting also serves as the backdrop for intimate garden wedding ceremonies, accommodating one couple per day, with receptions hosted at the elegant Wangfujing restaurant.
Towel Museum Souvenir Shop Area
In 2005, following Asakura Village's transition into Imabari City as part of a municipal merger, the facility underwent a name change, evolving from Towel Museum ASAKURA to Towel Museum ICHIHIRO to its current iteration, Towel Museum.
Exhibition and Gallery Highlights:
Towel Manufacturing Process: Experience the journey from raw cotton to finely woven towels, witnessing the intricate stages of carding, drawing, roving, spinning, winding, and loom weaving.
Towel Art: Delight in an array of framed and three-dimensional creations, including designs by renowned artist Atsuko Matano, all crafted from sumptuous towel fabric.
Towel Products: Explore the "Cotton Road" exhibition on the fourth floor, showcasing whimsical cotton objects, including larger-than-life ice cream and cake sculptures crafted from the raw material of towels.
Aside from the permanent exhibits, the Towel Museum also has special exhibitions. You can check them at this LINK.
Team Nicerio visits the Towel Museum
My family and I first visited the Towel Museum last December 27, 2022, during our 3-day Hiroshima Road Trip with our Japanese family. This trip marked my 421st day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the JET Programme. The Towel Museum is located on the southeastern outskirts of Imabari City near its border with Saijo City. It’s a place to visit if you love towels as there are hundreds of them displayed and also for sale in the Towel Museum.
Towel Museum Admission Fee
Individual Visitors:
Adults (18 years and older): ¥1,000
Junior High & High School Students: ¥800
Elementary School Students: ¥600
Disability Discount: ¥500 (with attendant ¥500)
Senior Citizen Discount: ¥600 (for those over 65 years old)
For Groups of 15 or More:
Adults: ¥900
Junior High & High School Students: ¥700
Elementary School Students: ¥500
Disability Discount: ¥500 (with attendant ¥500)
Senior Citizen Discount: ¥600 (for those over 65 years old)
For Groups of 30 or More:
Adults: ¥700
Junior High & High School Students: ¥500
Elementary School Students: ¥300
Disability Discount: ¥500 (with attendant ¥500)
Senior Citizen Discount: ¥600 (for those over 65 years old)
Children below elementary school age receive free admission. If you're eligible for a disability or senior citizen discount, please provide proof of identification such as a certificate or ID card at the museum reception desk before purchasing your ticket.
Towel Museum Operating Hours:
The Towel Museum is open from 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Chinese Restaurant Wangfujing:
Lunch: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM (last order at 2:00 PM)
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (last order at 8:00 PM)
Museum Cafe:
Open: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last order at 5:30 PM)
Garden Cafe:
Open: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last order at 3:30 PM)
Why visit the Towel Museum?
If you love towels or want to learn how quality towels are made then this place is for you. Although there are several stores in Japan with the same name, this Towel Museum is a museum and not just a store. It has several floors and an area where you can see the different machines used to make towels. The highlight of the Towel Museum is the World of Moomin.
Getting to Towel Museum
The Towel Museum is located in the southeastern part of Imabari City near its border with Saijo City. No buses or trains go directly to the Towel Museum, so the best option is to ride a taxi from Imabari Station or Iyo-Saijo Station.
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