Japanese Village

Back in the late 16th century, many foreigners came to the Ayutthaya Kingdom to trade, and when Japanese government allowed the Japanese to trade overseas, a group of them came to live and work in Ayutthaya. This well-researched museum provides visitors with a bit of Thai history that is unknown to most Thais (let alone westerners), it’s well worth a stop-off especially if doing our ‘Off the Island Tour’. It tells the story of how the Japanese influenced the Thais and how it also changed the Japanese. The King of Thailand let the Japanese settle outside the city centre. About 1,500 Japanese lived at the settlement that stretched for 1km along the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. The two exhibition buildings include videos, comprehensive information boards and displays. One exhibit shows how the Japanese contributed to the development of Thai sweets, while on their part, the Thais influenced the evolution of Japanese rice liquor. Another display relates how most of Ayutthaya’s Japanese were Christians fleeing persecution in their homeland. Nobles from Ayutthaya favoured Samurai warriors as bodyguards and a full set of armour and swords are on display. One of the local Japanese rulers even became governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, which meant that Japan was considered an important nation by the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Outside the museum building is a peaceful Japanese garden and pavilion set alongside the river. Entry: Adults/Students 50B/20B Open: 8:00am to 4:00pm Tel: +66 35245336, +66 22515852 Address: Tambon Ko Rian, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Getting Here: The Japanese Village is clearly signposted off Highway 3477, 1.5 km south of Wat Phanan Choeng. It is near Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Baan Hollanda. Located south of the island on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. There is a boat that regularly crosses the river from the island just opposite Wat Phanan Choeng. The Japanese Village is 1.5km south of Wat Phanan Choeng just off Highway 3477.