Towels unlock endless possibilities—the world’s first “Towel Museum” is super Instagrammable!

▲ The world’s first towel museum is located in Imabari City, Japan.

Reported and photographed by Peng Huaiyu / Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Can an ordinary-looking towel be transformed into various works of art? Japan’s Ehime Prefecture “Imabari Towel Museum” is more than just a museum—it’s a comprehensive complex that combines a gallery, garden, restaurant, factory tour, shopping street, studio, and wedding venue. It’s also the world’s first towel museum.

▲ Towels are crafted into various installation artworks, completely redefining traditional perceptions.

The highest-quality towels in all of Japan come from Imabari City. As a cotton-producing region with exceptional craftsmanship, the city produces 60% of Japan’s towels. It’s not only Japan’s top towel brand but also renowned overseas. Its most unique feature? It can absorb water in just 5 seconds, and no chemicals are used during production, resulting in an exceptionally soft texture.

▲ After purchasing your ticket on the fourth floor, the counter will give you a small hand towel as a souvenir.

The “Imabari Towel Museum” was established by “Ihuku Co., Ltd.” Here, towels are transformed into murals, paintings, and installation artworks, completely redefining traditional perceptions. After purchasing your ticket on the fourth floor, the counter will give you a small hand towel as a souvenir. First, it’s recommended to explore the towel-making process—from removing impurities from the cotton, to carding, spinning, winding, and finally weaving the fabric on looms—each step is meticulously executed, showcasing the Japanese dedication to precision.

▲ The towel-making process.

The fifth-floor gallery is worth exploring in detail. The “Colorful Yarn Wall,” made up of 200 colors and 1,800 yarn spools, is highly eye-catching and has become the most popular photo spot.

▲ The “Colorful Yarn Wall,” composed of 200 colors and 1,800 yarn spools, is highly eye-catching and has become the most popular photo spot.

Also a must-see is the 40-meter-long Moomin (Moomin) towel mural. Transparent display cases showcase giant Moomin and friends plush toys, their lifelike appearances seemingly jumping straight out of the cartoon—fans will definitely be enchanted. Want to take a Moomin home? There’s also a dedicated shop on the fourth floor.(Due to copyright issues, no photography or videography is allowed in the Moomin area.)

▲ Imabari Towel Museum gift shop area.

Additionally, the “Imabari Towel Museum” collaborates with many artists. Currently, you can see works by Japanese artist Atsuko Matano (俣野 温子) and creations from many other artists. Each artwork is woven or collaged entirely from towel materials, amazing visitors with the versatility of towels. Staff mentioned that the exhibitions change approximately every three months, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.

▲ Works by Atsuko Matano (俣野 温子).

▲ Every artwork in the museum is woven or collaged from towel materials, showcasing the surprising versatility of towels.

Imabari Towel Museum
Address: 2930 Asakura Kamikami, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Business Hours: 09:30 to 18:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults 800 JPY; Junior high school students 600 JPY; Elementary school students 400 JPY
Official Website