An outstanding museum, covering the history and development of bicycles, both internationally and in Japan. The staff were extremely accommodating and helpful, and one of the staff even walked with my son to give him a personalized tour. There is almost no “branding”, so it really comes across as a museum of bicycles, not of Shimano components. The space is light, airy, quiet and well lit. A very pleasurable building to spend time in. For a bike-obsessed teen, it was the high point of the whole trip to Japan.

Awesome experience! The museum focuses on the history and evolution of bicycles and how Japan/Sakai played a part in it. There’s less info on Shimano than I expected, other than the display of Dura Ace components. I also wish there were a couple more interactive exhibits and explanation of the mechanics of a bicycle cause it’s really an incredible invention. The museum is well laid out and clean. I enjoyed how quiet it was but also wish more people knew about the museum and would stop by. I would definitely recommend stopping by, whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or totally clueless about bikes. Tickets were 500¥ per adult and you can expect to spend 60-90 mins there.

+1

I loved this place. I've loved bikes all my life my earliest memories revolve around bikes with my Dad, my friends, family. I now cycle whenever I can, I maintain and trade bikes as a side income. I felt very emotional with some of the displays, seeing the old bikes laid out how I remember bike shops in my youth. The old school roadies and mountain bikes. Brilliant. The history of the bikes was very interesting and they have great museum pieces. Videos and descriptions are all available in English too and other languages. One minor area for improvement for me as a huge cycling fan: The museum does a super job on the history of bikes and the history of bikes in Japan. But it doesn't do anything to explain the history of Shimano, how did it start, how did it become the global leader it is today? How does it innovate and keep ahead of competition all the time? As a bike nerd that's what I want to see. The museum is an easy walk from the train. It's immaculately maintained, staff spoke English well enough. It's very cheap. Coin lockers available free of charge at reception. Parking available too.

An amazingly well done and classy museum about the history of bicycles. Note that there is very little about Shimano itself, but instead the focus is on the creation and subsequent innovations of the bicycle. The 4th floor library is a must visit; most of the books/magazines are in Japanese, but there is still a good number of English language books (or some that are in multiple languages). The one minor disappointment is that there is not a gift shop (only a few small souvenirs near the front desk); I was hoping the museum would have copies of some of the library books for sale.

+2

Fascinating museum on the history and evolution of bicycles. Vintage bikes are beautifully displayed throughout the museum.

+3