National Museum of Japanese History (Rekihaku)

This is a museum focusing on civilization in Japan from Paleolithic to modern times.  The actual name in Japanese is Kokuritsu Rekishi Minzoku Hakubutsukan (nickname Rekihaku).  The museum was built on site of a former castle from the 1800s, in Chiba prefecture, between Tokyo and Narita.  It takes 2-3 hours to view the 5 galleries, plus more for special exhibitions.  I would recommend renting an English receiver phone from the information desk so that you can listen to the narrator while you browse the numerous rooms.  Though most of the descriptions are written in Japanese, the museum is thoroughly visual, including an impressive collection of artifacts, interactive projects, and realistic models of villages and landscapes, making it foreigner-friendly.  I particularly enjoyed the section of the museum designed to resemble the sights and sounds of a bustling street in Tokyo circa 1920.  The museum also offers a gift shop, mini bookstore, restaurant, and large park fit for picnics and walking.  I would recommend this museum to anyone interested in the history of Japan and how its events influenced the lifestyle of its people.