A new kind of museum experience is coming to Yamaguchi Prefecture this summer. Opening on June 21st in the historic port town of Yanai, the Secret Museum Yanai Yamaguchi invites visitors to uncover hidden artworks and untold stories through a blend of cultural immersion and puzzle-solving.
Set in the White Wall Street district where rows of traditional Edo-period merchant houses still stand, this museum takes a completely different approach than most. Instead of housing its collection in a single building, the Secret Museum is what organizers are calling a "distributed museum." Exhibits are tucked away in multiple private spaces throughout the district, and their exact locations are kept secret. Visitors begin their journey at the Kisaka Shobundo reception, where they receive their first clue. From there, the town itself becomes part of the experience as guests follow riddles and hints to hidden doors and rooms that are not normally open to the public.
What sets the museum apart is its narrative-driven design. The experience is framed as a mystery adventure, where visitors may be challenged by a store manager before being allowed into a secret room, or they might uncover codes to exchange with local shopkeepers. A mystery production team from Tokyo collaborated with curators to craft the storyline, and local staff take on the role of storytellers, bringing characters and plot to life along the way. For those less interested in puzzles, a viewing-only option is available, offering direct access to several exhibition sites revealed at the reception.
The artworks on display are just as eclectic as the setting, with the collection including light-based installations and crafts gathered from across the country. For instance, visitors can expect to see striking pieces like a giant Nebuta lantern from Aomori towering over two meters tall, among other exhibits.
In addition to the ticketed exhibits, several public-facing installations are set up at locations such as the Sagawa Soy Sauce Shop and the Midorigaoka Library, allowing passersby to catch a glimpse of the project. The museum is also part of a broader regional tourism effort, linking with local accommodations and businesses to create joint promotions and travel incentives. Organizers hope the project will serve as a model for revitalizing historic towns by creatively reimagining cultural spaces.
The Secret Museum is designed to evolve over time, with rotating displays and new stories that keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors. It will operate on weekends and holidays, and tickets are available online in limited quantities. For more details, please visit the official website.
