Bring up the subject of museums in Japan, and people will inevitably think about the Peace Museum in Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as Studio Ghibli in Tokyo. However, Japan boasts a broad spectrum of museums that cater to varied tastes ranging from anime and art to technology and specialized niches. Since visiting museums is an ideal way to soak in the essence of the richness and vitality of Japanese culture, why not incorporate some museum-hopping into your next trip? Here are some recommendations on amazing museums to help you get started on your planning!

Japanese people take care of the little details, so their artworks are a showcase of intricate sensibilities. There are many museums that distinguish themselves based on their idiosyncratic appeal. At Naoshima which is the official site for the Setouchi Triennale modern art festival in 2016, many intriguing museums abound. The Lee Ufan Museum, for one, leverages natural sunlight to illuminate its artworks, so it's fascinating how the same exhibit evokes a different feel at different times of the day due to the intensity of sunlight. At Ishikawa Prefecture, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa skillfully incorporates art into its design—even the toilets! Its design was so well received that it was featured in prominent magazines like Newsweek. Even in bustling Tokyo, you can steal a quiet moment for yourself as you admire thought-provoking art pieces at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.

Anime plays a huge part in the lives of Japanese people, so it’s no wonder that they pay homage to the creators of popular anime series by building museums. If you’re a fan of Detective Conan, a trip to Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory in Tottori Prefecture is not to be missed. Here, you can get up close with Gosho Aoyama’s early works and understand how they influenced his drawing style for Detective Conan. Likewise, Doraemon aficionados will be thrilled at the Fujiko F Fujio Museum in Kanagawa Prefecture where many of his inventions will be brought to life.

Food culture permeates every single aspect of Japanese society, so it will be an enlightening experience visiting various food museums. Do you know that cup noodles were invented by Momofuku Ando, a Japanese? Peek into his ingenuity and understand how he got inspired to create cup noodles at the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama Prefecture. Also be awed by the dizzyingly wide range of cup noodles decorating the wall; you’ll have fun!

History buffs interested to understand more about the atrocities of World War 2 from the Japanese’s point of view will have their curiosity satiated at the Chiran Peace Museum in Kagoshima Prefecture. Chiran was the place where hundreds of young kamikaze pilots took off to crash their planes into American ships and sacrifice their lives for their nation. Looking at their dying letters and personal artefacts makes it a sobering visit that will haunt you long after your visit. On a lighter note, if you are keen to gain insights into Japan’s process of modernization, you will not go wrong by visiting the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum in Kochi Prefecture. Sakamoto Ryoma was instrumental in uniting divisive clans together. Who knows? You might be able to pick some useful tips on interpersonal communications skills by visiting this museum!

Dinosaurs used to roam Japan many centuries ago—an interesting trivia that you can see for yourself at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Fukui Prefecture. Here, you will be besotted by the Akita dog which is so handsome that it is honored as a Japanese National Treasure? Flock to the Akita Dog Museum in Akita Prefecture where you can gain invaluable insights about the characteristics of this fluffy dog species. More of a cat person? No problem! Japan shows that it doesn’t play favorites by offering The Cat Museum in Shizuoka Prefecture. Cat lovers can spend a cathartic time playing with 50 cats of 30 species that include Siamese, Russian Blue, Egyptian Mau, and many more!

Japan is a beautiful country blessed with picturesque nature and healing onsens. It is also a great place to indulge in great food and fabulous buys. Add a few interesting museum visits to your itinerary and there, you have it: a holistic trip that feeds your mind, soul, and body.