Tannan

Megane Museum

A Museum Dedicated to Japan’s Largest Producer of Eyeglasses

Sabae produces over 90% of all eyeglass frames made in Japan. The Megane Museum (“Glasses Museum”), located here, teaches visitors about the history of glasses, and the more than 200 steps involved in making a pair. Visitors can make reservations for hands-on workshops, and even make their own glasses frames.

In 1905, local assembly member Masunaga Gozaemon (1871–1938) invited skilled glasses makers to teach the artisans of Sabae. His goal was to establish glasses as a winter off-season industry for the local farming community. Today, Sabae is home to over a hundred companies that collaborate to make glasses frames.