Feedback received
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It was a wonderful place where I could learn not only about the darker parts of history but also about what the people who lived there valued and how they lived. Unlike other museums that often feel rigid, this museum felt refreshing, allowing me to reflect on peace and discrimination through its storytelling
teenager -
The Utoro Peace Memorial Museum had a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, with a space where you could even play basketball, and all the volunteers were very kind. I hope that having a place like this in the community will help spread awareness of Utoro’s history and lead to the elimination of discrimination.
Teenager, From Uji -
Japan and South Korea are often discussed in terms of confrontation, but I believe that everyone involved with Utoro has shown us that a new, peaceful future can be built through solidarity. Utoro is a symbol of hope. I hope you will continue to speak out for solidarity and peace. I would also like to recommend it as a valuable place for human rights education to many people.
In their 50s, from Mie -
I grew up being told by my parents and grandmother that Utoro was dangerous and that I should stay away, so even though I knew nothing about it, I found myself looking at it with a slightly discriminatory perspective. ...After hearing the stories, I realized that Utoro isn’t a place to avoid—it’s a place more people should learn about. I feel like this experience has helped me let go of my prejudice and changed the way I see the world. When I get home, the first thing I want to do is share what I’ve learned with my parents.
Teenager, From Uji -
Discrimination arises from not knowing the other person. Those who wish to discriminate often make a conscious effort to remain ignorant of others. That’s why I think this remarkably open organization—founded on the idea of knowing and getting to know others, in other words, fostering exchange—is truly valuable in resisting such tendencies.
In their 40s, from the Chubu region -
I thought that a museum run by those directly involved might be more emotionally charged—but personally, I see that as a strength. In reality, though, it was incredibly objective and logical, while the special exhibitions focused on individuals, striking a great balance between history and humanity. It was truly educational.
In their 40s, from Hiroshima
Available Days for Private Tours
- Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays during regular opening hours
- Tuesdays (The museum is closed to the general public, allowing for more flexible and in-depth guidance)
Tour Content
Guided Tour of the Permanent Exhibition
60 min.
1 guide per 20 participants
1,0000
A dedicated guide will lead you through the permanent exhibition on the second floor of the Utoro Peace Memorial Museum. The tour introduces how the Utoro district was formed and how it has developed to the present day, in the context of the historical background and social structures of the time. Through the expressions, words, and stories of those who lived there, you will experience the history of Utoro in a vivid and personal way. For guided tours, if your group exceeds 20 people, it will need to be divided, and an additional guide will be required (¥5,000 per group).
Talk Session
30 min.
Up to 60 participants per group
5,000
This session explores why the Utoro Peace Memorial Museum was built, the heartfelt wishes behind it, and the current activities being carried out. Rooted in the history of Utoro, the talk delivers a message about overcoming human rights challenges in today’s society. The multipurpose hall can accommodate up to 60 people. If your group exceeds this number, we will arrange for multiple sessions or alternative solutions as needed—please feel free to consult with us.
Tour of the Utoro District
30 min.
Free
Explore the neighborhood and learn about the daily lives of former residents, the community-building efforts, and how the district has transformed over time.
Reflection and Discussion Session
30 min.
Free
After the tour, participants are invited to share their thoughts and questions. This open discussion extends beyond Utoro-related topics to include issues such as hate speech, hate crimes, challenges faced by ethnic Koreans in Japan, and the past, present, and future of Japan–Korean Peninsula relations.
Special Experiences
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We also offer optional cultural activities such as a Korean barbecue gathering, workshops on traditional Korean musical instruments, and basic Korean (Hangul) language sessions. Please contact us to discuss your preferences and available options.
Sample Schedule
Full Program Course
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2 hours and 40 minutes
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15,000
Our full course program is tailored to meet the needs of each group. Participants often share that they gained deeper insights and were more moved by the experience than they would have been without a guide. Many also comment that the guide brought the people and their stories to life.
Suitable for visitors with limited time
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1 hour and 30 minutes
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15,000
No facility guide
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2 hours and 30 minutes
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5,000
School Trip
Available for school groups, including those on school trips to Kyoto (We have experience coordinating with other site visits such as Byodoin Temple, using group rotations.) We work closely with your trip coordinators to ensure a smooth and meaningful visit.
1st Day
Day 2
Group visit to the Utoro Peace Memorial Museum (split into groups)
|
Group A 20 participants |
Group B 20 participants |
Group C 20 participants |
Group D 20 participants |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Rooftop | District Tour | Outdoor Exhibit | 2F Permanent Exhibition |
| 2F Permanent Exhibition | Rooftop | District Tour | Outdoor Exhibit | |
| 11:15 | Outdoor Exhibit | 2F Permanent Exhibition | Rooftop | District Tour |
| District Tour | Outdoor Exhibit | 2F Permanent Exhibition | Rooftop | |
| 12:30 | All groups complete the tour; next group rotation begins | |||
We’re Here to Help
Reservation Process
After the schedule has been coordinated, you will be asked to make a reservation using a designated form (different from the inquiry form). *Reservations cannot be made by phone.
