THE GATA GUIDE TO WACKY PLACES IN JAPAN: MABOROSHI HAKURANKAI
GATA explores the off-kilter and eccentrically kitsch museum of Maboroshi Hakurankai
International media from time to time sarcastically portrays Japanese culture as one that is inexplicable to other countries; highlighting the wackiest and weirdest stuff you can imagine. Sometimes, however, this label fits perfectly. If you are a fan of the unfamiliar, the uncanny and the intimate, or on the contrary, just a seeker of the creepy and the intimidating; then a visit to the open-air museum of Maboroshi Hakurankai is a must.
Warning: Don’t go if you have a sensitive nature or a weak heart and definitely don’t bring the kids!
Maboroshi Hakurankai is a bizarre, retro Japanese museum located in Ito, Shizuoka which is on a completely different level from any museums you have ever been to. From the very first step, you are surrounded by larger-than-life models, which will make your skin crawl, and blow your mind. Starting with the Great Buddha area, it gives you the feeling of visiting a safe and tranquil greenhouse, occupied by interesting mannequins and statues, but as you move on, each room gets progressively weirder.
To give you an idea of what is waiting for your virgin mind by the end of your journey into Maboroshi Hakurankai, one of the rooms is named the Makai Shrine or in other words, “The Shrine to the Demonic World”. There you are confronted with the mind of a depraved artist, and extreme, sexualised artistic expression. According to recent news, the owner is currently in the process of designing a room with the theme of stripping, inspired by the Shōwa period of Japan.
If you are just as fascinated as the strange and peculiar as we are here at GATA, then continue reading as we break down the different realms of the kimokawaii paradise that is Maboroshi Hakurankai.
The Great Buddha
Take an adventurous stroll through the jungle-like vegetation AND MARVEL AT the world’s largest statue of Prince shotoku Standing at 50 metres tall.
WiTHIN this realm ARE exhibits FROM ancient civilizations around the world and a booth recreating ancient fashions, and much much more.
Showa machi
Summers in the 1960s were surprisingly hot. There were no air conditioners instead only fans to keep cool. That is why the museum offers an experience that will make you feel nostalgic for those days from the Showa period. The owner collected objects that symbolise the eras from prewar japan to the 1980s.
Demonic Shrine Ritual Evening
Possibly the only area that requires no description. Just enter the room and feel the wacky vibe.
Tipsy Alley
The idea of recreating a maboroshi room itself which combines ritual stuff with kawaii things, creating a maddened possessed atmosphere.
Maboroshi island
An island showcasing “Japonism” and its influence on the west. TAKE your time to visit the “old man” and receive a blessing or drop in and check out the shrine dedicated to beautiful legs.
fairy Tale land
A room entirely dedicated to collecting all things Kawaii. Doraemon DOLLS, helly Kitty Plushies—it’s ALL on show herE.
