Tian M Kuo, WINS#799
There is a comprehensive listing of coin dealers from all over Japan with the majority based in Tokyo. If you plan to visit some coin shops check out the Japanese Numismatics Dealers Association (JNDA) website and you might be able to visit 2-3 dealers in a day. JNDA also organises the Tokyo International Coin Convention (TICC), an annual event that happens during the so-called golden week holidays starting from last days of April.
The TICC is a 3 day event well attended by dealers both local and international with an auction by Spink Taisei.
Now for the museums, these 3 which are my favourites.
The first is called the 'Kahei Hakubutsukan' which means coins and currency museum. It is located within the compound of the Bank of Japan (Nippon Ginko). You can get there by subways alighting at Mitsukoshimae station. opening hours are from 09:30 to 16:00 and closed every Monday. Admission fee is...FREE!
The second is called 'Zouhei Hakubutsukan Tokyo' which means Japan Mint Tokyo museum. You can get there by subway alighting at Higashi Ikebukuro station. opening hours from 09:30 to 16:00. Admission is again FREE. The main branch of Japan Mint is in Osaka which just celebrated its 150 years anniversary since it opened in 1868. The Tokyo sub-branch of Japan Mint also minted coins decades later and it has more then 1,000 items in exhibition so worth a visit unless you happen to visit Osaka which is even more exciting as the 150-year-old building is worth a few shots from your camera especially if you are a fan of historical architectures.
The final one is the 'Kokuritsu Insatukyoku Hakubutsukan' which means Banknote and Stamp museum. You can get there by JR or subway alighting at Oji station. opening hours from 09:30 to 17:00. Admission is again FREE. You get to experience the embossment printing and bring home the 'banknote' you printed.
The catalog of Japanese coins and banknotes is issued every year and priced at 1,500 yen
