Small museum (what do you expect from a space on the 7th floor of an office building within Sunshine City?) with an interesting collection of exhibits, including replicas of the Hammurabi Code and the Rosetta Stone. Came here a bit late and managed to do a quick tour before it closes at 5pm. The staff were subtly dropping hints for us to leave by polishing the glass as we move along from exhibit to exhibit. If you're trying to find the place, just remember it's next to the World Import Mart Building and closer to the Higashi-Ikebukuro Metro Station. Admission ticket is only 600 yen per adult.

This museum can be a little hard to find as it's on the 7th floor of the sunshine building but you need to take the elevators in the centre of the building. I can as it's a part of the Grutto Pass (2,500 yen for free/discounted admission for around 100 museums/parks/zoos in Tokyo over 2 months) and this was one of the free museums. There is some basic English translations but there is also an audio guide which may be on English. The museum itself is not that large and contains W large number of minor but important works from all over Asia but a major focus on the fertile crescent. This museum would not appeal to small children and might be dangerous if you have a small child who you don't watch like a hawk as they may damage some artifacts if you don't watch them. Most people will be here between 20-60 monites

The Ancient Orient Museum is a hidden gem in Ikebukuro, offering a fascinating journey through history and culture. The collection showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia, providing a glimpse into their art, religion, and daily life. The museum's well-curated exhibits, detailed explanations, and interactive displays make the visit even more engaging. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the past, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the ancient world.

+3

Not particularly impressive, though it does give a relatively introduction into early civilisations. Exhibits are relatively limited.

+1

I used to be bored by museums and history. What's with damaged clay vases, alien-looking statues, and drawings or writing that nobody understands? However, as they are the favorite destinations of my husband and daughter, I am always forced to come along. I just go around following the route and try to get out of the place as fast as possible. I've had this experience many times. When we were in the Vatican museum and the Louvre, I got lost in the gigantic collection. Don't get me wrong; the exhibits were amazing but they were just simply too overwhelming. Based on my past experiences, I thought that perhaps museums are just not my thing. I've visited Tokyo more than 5 times and when my husband showed me another museum to visit, I hesitated. Still, he assured me that this would be different: it was some small exhibition which tourists hardly go to. When we got there, I realized immediately that because of the small size of the collection, we were able to pay more attention to specific and important pieces and really learn what they were about. I got to really know the artifacts' backstories and realize how important they are to human history. It inspired me to know more and develop my critical thinking skills. I started wondering, "why did this happen?” At age 40, I became curious about the world again. This museum can really inspire people to learn. - Fang