Machida City Museum of Literature, Kotoba Land

Machida City Museum of Literature is a literary museum in Hara-Machida dedicated to exploring written works, manuscripts, and the art of language. The building contains exhibition spaces, reading areas, and interactive displays where visitors can engage with literary content and themes.

The museum opened on October 27, 2006, designed by architect Hiroshi Ōune as a new literary center for the region. The project reflected Tokyo's growing interest in honoring literary culture and writers through dedicated institutions.

The name Kotoba Land reflects the Japanese word for language and speech, emphasizing the museum's focus on how words shape culture and communication. Visitors can observe how the space honors writers and poets through displays that trace the evolution of Japanese literary expression across different periods.

Visitors should take time to move through the exhibitions and explore the interactive displays at a relaxed pace, as the museum is best experienced through an unhurried visit. The reading areas offer quiet spaces to linger, and regular workshops and educational programs are tailored for different age groups.

The museum blends digital media resources with traditional exhibits, creating an innovative approach that connects new technology with classic literary collections. This combination allows visitors to explore both historical works and contemporary forms of literary presentation side by side.

Location: Hara-Machida

Inception: October 27, 2006

Architects: Hiroshi Ōune

Official opening: October 27, 2006

Operator: 町田市

Website: https://city.machida.tokyo.jp/bunka/bunka_geijutsu/cul/cul08Literature

GPS coordinates: 35.54256,139.45155

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:03