Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre image

Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

Tourist attraction Museum Community center Recreation center Heritage museum National museum

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in Burnaby


Address

6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7, Canada

Website

centre.nikkeiplace.org

Contact

+1 604-777-7000

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (984 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Japanese (62) museum (16) events (16) great (15) cultural (14) festival (14) history (13) visit (12) nice (11) culture (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Glaiza 1 year ago on Google
    This review is for the garden. I loved it there so much. Benches are under the trees so you get shade when the sun is too harsh. There were koi fishes in the pond as well. Very relaxing place 🥰 I’ll be back for sure.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yhanvi H. 2 years ago on Google
    The Home | Safe art exibit was great! I really enjoyed Kellan Hatanaka's art. Very interesting works that conveyed an amazing message! I was really impressed!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keira X. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place w/ a lot of various activities throughout the year. Just went to the Mochitsuki last week and the experience was pretty cool.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julian T. 5 months ago on Google
    First-time customer alert !!⚠️📢 - Went here to attend a cultural farmers market event. 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾🚜 -Plenty of parking along the streets that is free parking.🅿️ -Entrance and signage were clear ✅️ - Good place for family and friends to see. - Plenty of seats/tables to sit and eat and with a room for kid activity.👪 - I enjoyed the museum and the upstairs area that goes through the history of the museum.🖼 - There were many vendors for cultural day and a grocery store on the side, which was interesting.⛺️ - It's definitely a good experience for family, couples, and friends.👪👌 It would be nice if there were more seating areas outside.🪑 Updated: I have removed the Dates poster so other viewers do not get confused. However, since the poster was on display, it indicates only an event date and does not apply for future years ahead.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam L. 2 years ago on Google
    It has been a good experience for me, and I hope to visit again sometime! The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is a gem tucked away in Burnaby, British Columbia. It is dedicated to preserving and representing Japanese Canadian culture, as well as exploring other cultures and arts. The museum’s mission statement emphasizes the idea of “opening minds through learning and discovery” – a goal that it achieves by creating an interactive space that invites visitors into various perspectives of Canada’s diverse history.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jun L. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a typical gloomy raining day in November; however, my eyes were brightened once I stepped into here. I have been here many times; there is a Japanese restaurant and a Japanese grocery store that are my local favorite. I know it's beautiful in Spring time because of the cherry tree and the Crescent road. But today, in the rain, I discovered its elegance and beauty again!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit. It hosts many fair and festival including Japanese Festival. It gives great opportunity for Canadian to learn about Japanese Canadian history, Japanese culture and food. There were live performances, clothes, books and food for the festival. It was very enjoyable. I wish the COVID-19 will be over soon, so we can enjoy many events at the museum again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eugene T. 1 year ago on Google
    Was feeling nostalgic as I grew up in Japan so had to take a quick visit. Loved everything about it
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pramodya A. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice place to know about Japanese culture and inventions. They have a display of 100 Japanese origin equipment and items. Also there is a souvenir shop.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mauricio K. 4 years ago on Google
    History is well preserved in the museum dedicated to the Japanese Canadians. Ground floor is designed for sports related activities and meetings. Upstairs you can learn about the Japanese heritage since 1877 until those days. It is sad to know that thousand of innocent people were held into custody in those internment camps during the 2nd WW. But let’s leave the past in the past. This venue is beautiful and well maintained. There is also a Japanese language school upstairs to preserve the culture within this community. Worth a visit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenn B. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome venue. Japanese cultural centre. Gift shop had lots of gifts and the customer service was good. They also have a grocery store which has many Japanese food items
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Seneca L. 4 years ago on Google
    The place are clean and tide, which nice for family to have econ. price on Japanese 😋foods
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jie Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful garden and nice hall. Great place for graduation ceremony and other celebration events. The Nikkei Matsuri Festival is awesome. Pure Japanese culture and experiences. Meet many Japanese people. The traditional Japanese foods are great.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melvin L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to see cherry blossoms in the spring time and to check out interesting Japanese cultural events and programs throughout the year
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joy L. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to "Japanese Design Today 100 | 現代日本のデザイン100選" on 2022-06-23, enjoyed it! Beautiful and peaceful garden outside and around of the building, kind staff. Especially like the pamphlet they prepared, the designs are numbered and also listed the designers/makers' names and websites.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Başak Şahin (. 2 years ago on Google
    I went during the festival, as i do every year, its always great for such a small festival. The rain put a damper on things but it didn't stop the community from making do with what they have. They had some used Japanese books upstairs for very very cheap and some even free, it is such a great welcoming community. I recommend everyone to check it out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chan H. 1 year ago on Google
    Always fun to be here. If you like Japanese culture and food, don't miss the events here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jenifer A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful Museum, the clerks are very kind people. The past is very sad but is important for us to learn about it so we can avoid to repeat it. There is a bookstore inside, they offer free books but you can also worship by buying some of them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Info S. 1 year ago on Google
    This was such a great experience, mainly because of the enthusiastic and kind staff who radiated their passion for the Japanese culture. They explained every part of the center and it’s symbolic and meaningful history. The center itself is beautiful and we went on a rainy day which made the center even more appreciated. I would definitely recommend anyone going to Burnaby to go see this beautiful sight.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Miriam Homem de M. 1 year ago on Google
    The building is impressive! Nice, quiet, well maintained. Some exhibitions are permanent and very interesting. The events are appealing. The Washi exhibition that is taking place there is superb.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 P P. 1 year ago on Google
    Entrance to exhibit is free, apart from special one. Good to visit to learn more about Japanese Canadian history. Worth a visit. Also acts as a community Centre for local Japanese Canadians.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bruce R. 1 year ago on Google
    As a non-Japanese visitor, I saw a year-end celebration for the first time. It was amusing to watch the cooked rice pounded into paste because the helper moved the 'dough' between mallet swings to ensure it was mashed evenly. He had to be fast to protect his fingers. It was fascinating to watch the octopus balls being cooked as the chef rotated them swiftly. The balls were yummy, especially with sauce.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Little J. 1 year ago on Google
    What an experience for my family to be part of the O-Hanami Festival. It was fun to watch the martial arts, music and dance performances. An very unique experience in Vancouver.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jenni t. 11 months ago on Google
    Always great cultural experiences! This weekend was special Japanese Art with flowers and nature...very enjoyable!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vancouverite111 10 months ago on Google
    The museum is unique, we found many activities could be of interest for kids Also the meeting room is big enough for 200 persons We attended Burnaby 2050 vision , was super engaging , love what the city is planning for the future
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Quan N. 10 months ago on Google
    Japanese embedded community centre with quite a few sakura trees outside. the hall is big. accessible to all. I quite like the neightbourhood area. This is where many events during the area occurred in South Burnaby, including casting the votes, Lunar New year celebrations, book day, BC local events and so on so forth. I also like all the volunteers and contributors to this place. This area is an outstanding representative of Burnaby and Burnaby heritage.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnny G. 7 months ago on Google
    Really nice building. Lots of interesting things to see and learn about history. The market is there with lots of different items. Some food and hand crafted items. Inside at the back end, kizuna sake stall was high quality! Smoothies taste great. I want to try another. Products are premium
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amelie P. 3 years ago on Google
    The small grocery store has a surprising variety of imported Japanese products. Parking and food is good here, great place to expand your mind. The best place to learn more about the Japanese and Canadian History! Good for all ages!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roger A. 1 year ago on Google
    I value Japan and Japanese culture, so I had to check this out when I was in BC for a week. The history of the Canadian Japanese and how they went through similar experiences during the war. It was sad to read, but also amazing to see how this Centre was there offering classes. Kids doing school classes and the older population having aerobics class was nice to see.

  • 4/5 dawn i. 2 years ago on Google
    Love going here for the farmers market. You gotta come see

  • 5/5 Xavier L. 2 years ago on Google
    I went there to donate blood. The air condition was very good.

  • 5/5 Jonathan R. 2 years ago on Google
    Its great place for us to learn and getting idea about Japanies history. Everything looks great and well decorated. Its a best opportunity for us i mean Canadian people. Thanks always guys!

  • 4/5 Craig M. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped by during the annual Labour Day weekend Nikkei Matsuri (summer festival). COVID notwithstanding, the team did a fine job and I look forward to next year. The museum is focused on the experiences of pre-WW2 Japanese Canadians and holds a good selection of photos and artifacts. Would be interesting to see the museum extend further ahead in time to document the community beyond 1950.

  • 5/5 Pearl W. 2 years ago on Google
    I didn't visit the museum, so this is about the cultural centre. A great spot for families - lots of rooms for recreational lessons for children. They have a japanese language program here too. There's also a japanese market next to it (I didn't get to visit but would love to next time). The garden outside is small but very peaceful and serene (it really feels like a different place from the city surrounding it). The whole place gives off a very warm and nostalgic feel.

  • 5/5 H Max W. 2 years ago on Google
    They have exhibits throughout the year. Staff is always very helpful and friendly. I bring my kids and they always enjoy it. Nearby there is a Japanese restaurant and a Japanese store.

  • 3/5 Andrew 1 year ago on Google
    For basic drop ins, there is not much going on. For those who want to take language lessons then there are regular classes. Martial arts classes are also held here. There is a bookstore with a wide range of Japanese language selections. Best to visit during a festival like the Sakura festival when the centre comes to life. There is a cherry blossom lined street outside that is very nice to view during the blossom season.

  • 4/5 Darlene W. 4 years ago on Google
    Artistic Modern Architecture. This low rise building conveys a Scandinavian feel with its curved and linear shapes within its structure and blends well within the neighboring area. The vaulted ceiling and tall windows allows natural light to illuminate the interior during sunny weather. Excellent venue for hosting various kinds of community events. Light coloured wood interiors with a long corridor at the front entry and multiple rooms of varying sizes available for rentals.

  • 5/5 Sunaina Ajit K. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely Japanese fest. The food, clothes and thrift shop was a big hit. I got so many beautiful pieces of art and some really useful kitchen gadgets there. Thanks for having such a lovely party! (I didn’t find the hello Kitty exhibit though, so I’ll have to go back)

  • 4/5 Tammy Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful museum; the staff members are really gracious. Even if the past is incredibly tragic, it is vital for us to understand it in order to prevent a repeat of it. Within, there is a bookstore where you may read books for free or purchase ones to read for worship.

  • 5/5 Sameera T. 7 months ago on Google
    Went to the annual festival. Wel organized and lot of traditional food. Parking was a bit of a hassel as the underground parking and street parking was full.

  • 5/5 Bob G. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing museum and community centre for the Japanese community on the Lower Mainland. Check out their website for cultural events. There is also a Japanese grocery store adjacent to the building. So if you crave some Japanese treats or want authentic snacks or noodles, you can get them here.

  • 5/5 3 months ago on Google New
    Went for the new year mochitsuki event and it was so well organized even though there were a lot of people for a small space! The museum itself tackled Japanese diaspora realities in Canada, from an angle that acknowledges indigenous history and the role of immigrant settlers within these colonial dynamics. A very important museum in a beautiful space. The mochi was also delicious, and I had the best matcha latte in Vancouver at their little pop up matcha stand! Hope they bring it back!!

  • 4/5 Katie Z. 3 years ago on Google
    I am a kid and my mom brought me there and it was so fun.

  • 5/5 Desiree L. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting.

  • 4/5 Susanna X. 4 years ago on Google
    Food was ok, not special

  • 5/5 Hannan Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place for a casual lunch. Authentic Japanese family style.

  • 5/5 Karissa F. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice exhibits

  • 5/5 Benedikt W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for people who want to learn something new!

  • 5/5 Andews Studio !. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of variety of activities for kids & adults alike. Nice & clean facilities - a good place to bring the whole family when there are special events!

  • 5/5 Katia L. 4 years ago on Google
    Tea festival event was amaisibg

  • 4/5 Minty M. 4 years ago on Google
    The Nikkei National Museum was a good visit. It was a nice look into cultural Japanese/ Japanese Canadian history. All in all, a good informative museum with some Japanese cultural artifacts.

  • 4/5 Lion C. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun place to see some Japanese culture thingy. Got a restaurant that's budget for anyone, not just the seniors there There is also a little Japanese convenient store for Japanese grocery.

  • 3/5 Kwong P. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the o genki restaurant which is open to the public

  • 3/5 hisayuki s. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) world! Karakuri dolls will be exhibited at a cheering party for people who want to go to Nippon. (Original) 世界!ニッポンへ行きたい人応援団でからくり人形が展示されることになった。

  • 1/5 Y A. 3 years ago on Google
    Museum is nothing to see and charge $5 is too much. You can walk around on second floor without charge. It will takes about 30 min total to see everything.

  • 5/5 Ada V. 3 years ago on Google
    A must see in Burnaby.

  • 5/5 ミスタードーナツ 5 years ago on Google
    Great place, interesting Japanese cultural events and programs.

  • 3/5 Stella I. 4 years ago on Google
    Great cultural experience. Lots of activities for the kids. Not stroller friendly. You are required to check in your stroller for an additional fee if you plan to enter the building.

  • 4/5 April P. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place. Lots of Japanese events held here. You can also rent rooms for party or meetings.

  • 5/5 Les Y. 3 years ago on Google
    There is so much to see and learn about the history of Japanese Canadians in Canada. None of the way they were treated was found in any history books that we studied in high school.

  • 5/5 Charis O. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, informative displays. The museum section I think is free for students (or super cheap.)

  • 4/5 Pee C. 3 years ago on Google
    Came here for the Japanese festival. They had food trucks and activities inside and a small grocery store connected to the complex. It's nice to just check out when there's events there.

  • 5/5 KZT M. 4 years ago on Google
    The museum there is very clean and interesting, The Matsuri there is very enjoyable and exciting.

  • 5/5 Dandy L. 3 years ago on Google
    While far more lively during regular days filled with inviting and very well-planned multi-day activities suitable for everyone throughout the seasons, the cultural center continues to fully serve the community in as many ways as possible. Being a consistent temporary Blood Drive destination of the Canadian Blood Services, the large open space with multiple doors allow for easy social distancing. Underground parking is well-lit and accessible.

  • 5/5 John Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Japanese Centre.

  • 5/5 San'wal D. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful place to visit!! 💖 Everything looks and feels amazing and the people are super friendly💗🤩

  • 5/5 Kathleen 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful,exciting and delicious cultural event

  • 5/5 Kimberley miyoung K. 4 years ago on Google
    Japanese culture festival was good

  • 5/5 Barry KM W. 4 years ago on Google
    So lucky to have access to this complex

  • 5/5 Doreen S. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the festival we go every year

  • 4/5 Peiying C. 4 years ago on Google
    Almost every spring ( March, April ) and fall (September) I go this place perform the singing. It's Japanese Cultural Centre, so of course everything are related to Japanese.

  • 4/5 Joshua S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 4/5 Malcolm L. 4 years ago on Google
    Indonesia festival

  • 5/5 John T. 4 years ago on Google
    It has free parking and lots programs and activities

  • 5/5 Zo W. 4 years ago on Google
    Really great cultural centre that honors Japanese Canadians heritage and celebrates Japanese culture. They hold many educational classes and regularly hold events such as their annual craft and bake fair. Upstairs on the second level there are many displays to read up that shows the history of Japanese that lived here in BC. Everyone working or volunteering there are kind and will help you out of needed. Dont forget to visit Suzuya Japanese market! The store is small but has alot of great food items from Japan. Highly recommend it.

  • 5/5 Anneke B. 4 years ago on Google
    The curator was very helpful in identifying artifacts and purpose. The Centre was going through a move and therefore I was not able to see their artifacts.

  • 5/5 Johannes S. 4 years ago on Google
    great facility. love to go there for blood donation appointment.

  • 1/5 ifti s. 4 years ago on Google
    longest 6 hours of my life

  • 5/5 Ryan G. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice building offering tours and classes. Learn about Discrimination and Japanese Canadian internment during WW2.

  • 4/5 Natsu F. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of events throughout the year

  • 5/5 K A. 4 years ago on Google
    This has often Japanese events it festival here. Suzuya, the Japanese convenience store is near here. An Japanese restaurant is also near here. We can eat ”teisyoku” there.


Call +1 604-777-7000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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