Oita Fragrance Museum
Explore the captivating history, science, and art of fragrance. Create your own signature scent in an interactive and enriching museum experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene exploration.
Oita Fragrance Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the captivating history, science, and art of fragrance. Create your own signature scent in an interactive and enriching museum experience.
"Totally impressed - it was fascinating and wonderfully curated. The history, science and culture of scent are super interesting!"
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
The free English audio guide is excellent for a structured and informative visit.
👃 Smell the Samples
Don't miss the opportunity to smell the various fragrance samples throughout the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Global Fragrance History
Exhibition Halls
Journey through centuries of perfume, from ancient Egypt to modern Europe and Asia. Discover the evolution of scent.
Perfume Bottle Collection
Display Cases
Marvel at a stunning array of vintage and designer perfume bottles, showcasing artistry and changing trends.
Create Your Own Scent Workshop
Workshop Area
Engage your senses and craft a personalized fragrance to take home. A truly unique and memorable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock the World of Scent
Plan Your Olfactory Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
The free English audio guide is excellent for a structured and informative visit.
👃 Smell the Samples
Don't miss the opportunity to smell the various fragrance samples throughout the museum.
✨ Book Workshop in Advance
The make-your-own-scent workshop is popular; book ahead to secure your spot.
🎟️ Check for Passes
If visiting Beppu, the Beppu Excursion Pass may include free entry.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
The free English audio guide is excellent for a structured and informative visit.
👃 Smell the Samples
Don't miss the opportunity to smell the various fragrance samples throughout the museum.
✨ Book Workshop in Advance
The make-your-own-scent workshop is popular; book ahead to secure your spot.
🎟️ Check for Passes
If visiting Beppu, the Beppu Excursion Pass may include free entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Oita Fragrance Museum for its surprisingly fascinating and well-curated exhibits, offering a deep dive into the history, science, and culture of scent. Many are impressed by the extensive collection of perfume bottles and the engaging, informative experience, especially with the helpful English audio guide. The perfume-making workshop is a highly recommended hands-on activity.
"Rare great museum. Surprisingly this museum is respected by world’s perfumers and perfume designers. It offers history of perfume from old Egypt, middle east, europe and Asian fragrances as well as the sources.
It has multi lingual writen explanation on each step of the history. It also offer short course on how create your own perfume…
Worth visiting…"
Michael Yank
"Totally impressed - it was fascinating and wonderfully curated. I had next to zero interest in perfume (associate it with airports and jet-lag) but these exhibits showed me what an oversight that was. The history, science and culture of scent are super interesting and this museum couldn’t do a better job of showcasing it in an informative and interactive experience. I kind of wanna start collecting cool perfume bottles now!
The free English audio guide works brilliantly and gives the experience a clear structure. Don’t remember the last time I enjoyed a museum so much! 1000x better experience than the commercial hot spring hells up the road"
Josie Josie
"I had a wonderful time visiting the perfume museum. It’s much more interesting than I expected! The collection is surprisingly extensive, with a wide variety of perfumes from different time periods and brands. From vintage bottles to iconic designer fragrances, each display tells a part of perfume history in a really engaging way.
What made the experience even better was the English audio guide, which was clear, informative, and easy to follow. It helped me appreciate not just the scents, but also the cultural and historical background behind them—how perfume evolved over the centuries, and how it reflects fashion, lifestyle, and even politics of the time.
I especially enjoyed seeing the differences in bottle design and branding over the years. It was like stepping into a time capsule of elegance and creativity. Whether you’re a fragrance lover or just curious about something different, I highly recommend this museum. It was a relaxing and enriching experience that I truly enjoyed."
Allen LUO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Beppu, Oita. From Oita Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Beppu. Local buses are a convenient way to reach the museum from various points in Beppu.
Yes, the museum is well-served by local buses in Beppu, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Local buses are a common and efficient way to get around Beppu. Taxis are also readily available.
Information on parking availability can be found on the museum's official website or by contacting them directly.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine the museum with the famous 'Hell Tour' (Jigoku Meguri) or other local sights. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Oita Fragrance Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission fees are generally reasonable. If you have the Beppu Excursion Pass, entry might be included, offering great value.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for the perfume-making workshop, is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Consider purchasing the Beppu Excursion Pass, which often includes entry to the Oita Fragrance Museum and other attractions.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits and potentially participating in a workshop.
🎫 👃 Onsite Experience
You'll explore the history of fragrance, see a collection of perfume bottles, smell scent samples, and can participate in a perfume-making workshop. +1
Yes, a free and effective English audio guide is available, which greatly enhances the visitor experience.
Yes, the museum offers a popular workshop where you can learn about scent creation and make your own unique perfume.
The museum provides an informative and interactive experience, allowing visitors to engage with the history and science of scent.
It's a respected institution for perfumers and designers, showcasing the global history, culture, and science of fragrance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the museum itself may have limited dining, Beppu offers numerous restaurants and cafes, including places serving local specialties like Beppu Gyoza.
Don't miss trying Beppu's famous Gyoza or enjoying steamed cuisine from the Jigokumushikobo Kannawa. +1
Some local eateries might offer unique culinary twists, but the primary focus on fragrance is at the museum itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival. Some exhibits may have restrictions.
The beautifully designed perfume bottles and the workshop area often make for visually appealing photos.
Flash photography is often prohibited in museums to protect delicate exhibits. Please be mindful of any posted rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the sensory aspects and the fun of the perfume-making activity. The museum's clear explanations, especially with the audio guide, can help make the historical context more accessible. It's a unique alternative to more common family attractions in the Beppu area.
🎨 Art & Design Enthusiasts
Beyond the bottles, the museum explores the design principles behind fragrance creation and branding. You'll gain an appreciation for how scent, packaging, and marketing converge to create a complete sensory and aesthetic experience. It’s a unique intersection of art, history, and commerce.
🧠 Curious Learners
The museum provides a comprehensive overview, from the ancient uses of aromatics to the modern perfume industry. It's an opportunity to expand your knowledge in a unique and engaging way, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the world of scents.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Science of Scent
Visitors often express surprise at how engaging the subject matter is, even if they weren't initially perfume enthusiasts. The museum effectively bridges the gap between a niche interest and a universally appreciated sensory experience. The interactive elements, such as smelling stations and the detailed explanations of fragrance families, make the learning process enjoyable and memorable.
For those looking for a truly unique souvenir, the perfume-making workshop is a must-do. Under the guidance of experts, you can explore different scent notes and blend them to create your very own signature fragrance. It's a hands-on experience that provides a deeper appreciation for the complexity and creativity involved in perfumery.
A Journey Through Time and Culture
Beyond the historical context, the museum highlights the cultural evolution of perfume. It explores how societal trends, fashion, and even political events influenced fragrance preferences and bottle designs over the centuries. This provides a fascinating lens through which to view history, demonstrating that scent is more than just a pleasant aroma – it's a reflection of society.
Many visitors are particularly captivated by the exquisite perfume bottle designs, which are works of art in themselves. The evolution of these containers mirrors artistic movements and technological advancements, offering a visual feast alongside the olfactory journey. It's a testament to the enduring human desire to not only smell good but also to present fragrance in beautiful vessels.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit