A Day to Savor Japanese Culture — November 3rd, “Culture Day”
The Origin of “Culture Day,” a National Holiday Celebrating Japanese Culture
In Japan, November 3rd is celebrated as Bunka no Hi, or Culture Day.
The holiday was originally established in 1946 to commemorate the promulgation of the Japanese Constitution on this date.
It’s a day to “love freedom and peace, and to promote culture.”
Across the country, various events honoring Japan’s rich traditions are held — from art and academia to craftsmanship and performing arts.
If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese art and traditional techniques, this is the perfect day to do so.
Free Admission to Museums and Art Galleries
On Culture Day, many museums and art galleries offer free admission.
National museums, regional art galleries, and local history museums often host special exhibitions and workshops to celebrate.
It’s an ideal opportunity to explore Japanese culture in a more relaxed way.
Please note that free entry usually applies only to regular exhibitions, while special exhibits may require a separate admission fee.
Popular venues tend to get crowded, so plan your visit early for a smoother experience.
Tips for Enjoying Large Museums — Choose a Theme
Japan’s national museums are vast, both in terms of space and number of exhibits. Seeing everything in a single day can be quite a challenge!
We recommend choosing a theme or specific area of interest and exploring it at a leisurely pace.
Since museum visits often involve a lot of walking, traveling light will make your day more comfortable.
Light with Coin Lockers
Most museums and galleries in Japan offer coin lockers near the entrance.
Store your large bags or coats there, and keep only your essentials with you.
Traveling light allows you to focus fully on the exhibits — and enjoy the spirit of Japanese culture with ease.
Ikedaya Bags — Perfect Companions for Museum Days
Ikedaya’s compact bag collection is perfect for carrying just the essentials.
From the Classica series, which combines genuine leather texture with a lightweight design, popular choices include the Sacoche, Multi Pouch, and Shoulder Bag — all stylish and practical for a day at the museum.
Ikedaya’s Kōshū Inden Sacoche also brings a touch of tradition. Made from shikagawa (deer leather) and decorated with urushi (lacquer) patterns, it’s soft, lightweight, and full of refined Japanese character.
Perfect for carrying valuables, whether you’re exploring a museum or strolling through the city.
A Day to Remember — Experiencing Japanese Culture
Before leaving, don’t forget to stop by the museum shop!
You might find limited-edition items created in collaboration with current exhibitions or popular Japanese characters.
These make for wonderful souvenirs — something you can only get in Japan.
Exploring museums and galleries abroad can enrich your travel experience, and we hope Ikedaya’s bags can accompany you on this memorable journey.
