A crank-operated fan underneath Marilyn Monroe’s dress reveals a rather *ahem* hairy situation at the Atami Adult Museum. The delightful ‘80s playhouse sits overlooking the small resort town of Atamiin Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s the last of its kind in the country.
The museum boasts an impressive display of shunga and sex toys dating back to the Edo period. For research purposes only, of course.
With three floors and over 30 attractions to explore, Atami’s den of debauchery is sure to excite and titillate.
Inside the Atami Hihokan
While other hihokan(sex museums or treasure houses) in Japan featured depictions of hardcore violence and gore, Atami’s museum is focused on “humor and nonsense.” This is probably a big reason for the museum’s continued popularity. They’ve experienced a steady increase in (especially female) patronage over the years while other such museums have disappeared into the abyss.
As you make your way through the museum, you’ll find yourself being serenaded by topless mermaid automatons, and peering into a women’s only onsen(hot spring). Thankfully, you won’t be peaking in on actual women bathing, just robots!
Don’t get too excited though—when you step on the mat in front of the onsen peephole, a jet of water will splash you in the face. Reactions from other visitors nearby range from shrieks of terror to uproarious laughter, adding to the silly atmosphere.
For history buffs, the museum boasts an impressive display of shunga(traditional Japanese erotic art) and sex toys dating back to the Edo period. For research purposes only, of course.
Check out the museum’s official teaser below for more of what to expect inside.
After you have received your naughty paper fortune from the bare-bottomed shrine maiden and picked up something randy from the souvenir shop, step out onto the balcony to be greeted by sweeping views of the coast.
Atami Hihokan’s sexy history
When the museum first opened to the public in 1980, it was one of over forty adult museums dotting the nation. However, the beginning of the Heisei era in 1989 brought with it an increased desire to “refine” the more vulgar corners of Japan. One by one, Japan’s adult museums found themselves shuttered and forgotten.
The Atami Adult Museum is the last of these Showa-era (1926-1989) pleasure halls and continues to welcome 300 to 600 patrons daily, from curious couples to gaggles of giggling grandmothers.
It’s easily reachable from the relaxing hot spring town Atami via ropeway. Fill up on freshly-caught seafood or wind down at one of the town’s hot spring baths afterward.
What’s with Japan and penises? We don’t know, but the annual Kanamara Penis Festivalis a total riot you should see for yourself.
