Otaru Music Box Museum, Music museum and historic landmark in Otaru, Japan.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a music museum housed in a red brick building at the corner of Sakaimachi and Irifune Streets in Otaru's harbor district. The three-story building contains an extensive collection of music boxes and mechanical musical instruments from different periods.
The building was constructed in 1912 as a warehouse and was later converted into a museum that opened to the public in 1967. It received designation as a historic landmark of Otaru because of its architectural and historical importance.
The museum displays mechanical musical instruments from Japan and around the world, showing how music box craftsmanship evolved across generations. The collection reflects the traditions and techniques that shaped this particular form of mechanical artistry.
The museum is open daily and provides easy access for visitors who wish to explore the collection across its three floors. The interior is well-organized with displays and information presented on multiple levels.
A steam-powered clock stands at the entrance and releases steam every 15 minutes while playing musical melodies. This mechanical timepiece has become a memorable feature that greets visitors as they arrive.
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