Japan Shimano Museum visit

[J-wagon]

Hi all, sharing few photos of my visit to Shimano Bicycle Museum, Sakai City on southern Osaka Prefecture.

Modest white building, no Shimano signs or anything, 4 floors of educational displays about global history of bicycles, a section on role of Sakai City and Japan bicycle industry, and a hallway with Shimano groupset exhibit.

Shimano first product freewheel 1921:

History of bicycles, with classic early examples.

Schwinn and early mtb displays:

Interesting 1948 Mitsubishi aluminum bike with riveted frame

His and hers bicycles for Japan crown prince and princess in 1959:

First folding bicycle, 1895 Peugeot

A library and archive of English and Japanese language bicycle related books.

 

[J-wagon]

About 16 km north of the museum near Osaka Station is Shimano Cafe with educational displays of Shimano bike groupsets as well as fishing equipment.

Fishing equipment display:

 

[Miq]

Amazing pics @J-wagon ! Thank you for posting them. Interesting that they called the first freewheel and the first 3-speed IGH the 3.3.3. I knew about the IGH but not the 1921 freewheel.

As usual in Japan, the displays are meticulously maintained and educational. Great stuff!

@Oken

 

[Oken]

Thank you for this, @J-wagon

I did not know the Shimano Cafe existed. I will make sure to visit it the next time I get the chance.

 

[100bikes]

Thanks for sharing.
Now on my list......................

 

[bobcycles]

No classic American ballooners???

 

[J-wagon]

Interestingly, I didn't seem any.

 

[cyclingday]

Fabulous display!
Thanks for the look see.

 

[koolbikes]

Thanks for sharing photos, what an amazing place and well displayed museum.
There was a post from last year that had many photos also, thought it would make a great addition to your post.

Thread 'Photos from the Bicycle Museum in Sakai, Osaka'

Jun 28, 2025

A visit earlier this week to the Shimano Bicycle Museum.

The building and lobby:

• Oken
• Replies: 16
• Forum: General Discussion About Old Bicycles

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