zouheihakubutsukan

Mint museum on the grounds of the Japan Mint
I went during the Fall when there was no cherry blossom viewing and still enjoyed my time here. There is a very well made currency museum housed on the grounds of the mint featuring the history of the mint, important figures involved in its founding, the history of Japanese and Chinese currency, coin sets from around the world as well as explanations as to the manufacture of currency.
You will be guided to the gatehouse when you first enter to signin and receive a numbered badge. Then around the main mint building is the mint museum.
If you are an English speaker like me, be sure to talk to the receptionist for an audioguide (free!). It’s highly recommended since the exhibits are in Japanese only. The receptionist may not speak English, but they will run off to find someone that does and the guy he returned with spoke adequate English. They may also offer to store any large bags you have which is very nice of them!
Tour groups and groups of schoolchildren do make their rounds of the museum, but it is not busy. The museum is clean and the historical model exhibits are very detailed. Washrooms are clean and presentations are very interesting.
There is a gift shop at the end where you can get collector currency, unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to get it as it closes fifteen minutes before the museum does!