Japanese Culture Gallery Hoi An: History, Exhibits & Visitor Guide | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

To enter, you need to have purchased the Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket.

Just a few feet west of the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge lies the Japanese Culture Gallery. It highlights nearly four centuries of Japan–Vietnam cultural and trading relations, offering immersive hands-on workshops, historical artifacts, and meaningful interactions.

A Heritage House with a Story

Housed in a beautifully preserved two-story tube house, the gallery reflects traditional Hoi An architecture: hidden pillars, connected rafters, wide corridors, and high wooden beams that keep the building cool and airy.
It opened in 2022 to coincide with the 18th Hoi An–Japan Cultural Exchange Festival, marking a renewed spotlight on the centuries-old relationship between Hội An and Japan.
Specifically, the gallery helps shine a light on the historical ties between Hội An and three prominent Japanese cities:

• Nagasaki - once Japan's main trading port with Vietnam during the 16th–17th centuries

• Sakai - a wealthy merchant city involved in maritime trade

• Matsusaka - hometown of Araki Sotaro, the famous Japanese merchant who married Vietnamese Princess Ngọc Hoa

What You Will Discover

Historical Highlights

• Revel in the story of Japanese Shuinsen (Red-Seal Ships) from 1600–1635, with over 350 licensed vessels, 71 of which made port in Hội An.

• View an original 196 in (4.98 m) scroll depicting travel between Nagasaki and Hội An, once held at Jomyo Temple in Nagoya.

Cultural Exhibits

• Explore displays about the wedding of Princess Ngọc Hoa and Japanese merchant Araki Sotaro, re-enacted in Nagasaki every seven years during the historic Okunchi festival.

• Learn about shared traditions with Nagasaki, Sakai, and Matsusaka, including kimono culture, tea, origami, kukuri, and Japanese manga.

Interactive Experiences

• Participate in Japanese tea ceremonies, origami workshops, mask painting, and Yukata dress-ups — available daily, though tea ceremonies operate by reservation.

• Browse manga and cultural showcases, or enjoy scheduled programming during the Hoi An–Japan Cultural Exchange Festival.

Visitor Tips

• Opening Hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm, daily

• Best Time: 10am – 4pm for hands-on workshops and quieter galleries

• Fee: Included in Ancient Town ticket

• Tea Ceremonies: Arrive before 4:15pm to reserve a short Japanese tea ceremony (50,000 VND) that starts at 4:30pm

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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