Demon Slayer Sacred Spot: The Butterfly Mansion Model at Meiji Mura Museum in Aichi

CONTENT

Supervisor: Naohiro Takemura

Started his career based on his experience at an accounting firm.
For approximately 30 years, he has been engaged in database marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, BPO operations, and new business planning.
He is well-versed in fundraising and financial management, and currently manages his own company while also undertaking outsourced work in management and new business development.

In Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, the Meiji Mura Museum preserves a building that holds special meaning for Demon Slayer fans. The Japanese Red Cross Central Hospital Ward, with its fusion of Japanese and Western architecture, strongly resembles Shinobu Kocho’s Butterfly Mansion, drawing visitors into the world of the series.

The Japanese Red Cross Central Hospital Ward – Model of the Butterfly Mansion

The Japanese Red Cross Central Hospital Ward, relocated and preserved in Meiji Mura Museum, has long been noted for its resemblance to the Butterfly Mansion. The white-painted exterior conveys brightness and cleanliness, while the large windows softly illuminate the hallways. This impression overlaps with the “place of recovery” seen in the series, creating a special sense for visitors.

The structure’s long wooden corridors and rows of patient rooms strongly resemble the layout shown in the anime. The calm and serene atmosphere that nurtured the Demon Slayer Corps in the story can be felt directly within the real-world architecture.


Experiencing Taisho Romanticism in Meiji Mura

The Meiji Mura Museum is an expansive open-air museum, preserving over 70 historic buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras. The grounds are divided into five areas, housing schools, churches, residences, hospitals, and merchant houses, all of which supported life in those times.

By touring not only the hospital ward but also other structures in the village, visitors can deepen their understanding of the historical background reflected in Demon Slayer. The fusion of Japanese and Western architectural elements evokes the very spirit of Taisho Romanticism, immersing fans in the series’ atmosphere.


Features of the Japanese Red Cross Central Hospital Ward

FeatureDescription
Architectural styleWooden structure with Japanese-Western hybrid design
Exterior charmWhite walls and large windows offering openness
Interior layoutLong corridors with rooms arranged in order
Historical valueA symbolic facility of modern medicine in the Meiji era
Connection to the seriesResembles the tranquil air of the Butterfly Mansion

The overlapping of architectural design and the series’ atmosphere is the very reason this location has become a “sacred site” for fans.


Architectural Beauty and Details

While practical in nature, the hospital ward is also adorned with elegant artistic elements. Window frames and beams are crafted with refined simplicity, highlighting contrasts of light and shadow. Wooden floors and walls, aged with time, convey warmth and a sense of calm.

The most notable point is the fusion of Western design with Japanese wooden craftsmanship, which results in a space balancing practicality with beauty.


Moments that Resemble the Butterfly Mansion

Walking through the ward, the echo of footsteps on wooden floors creates a tranquil soundscape. Sunlight streams through the large windows, casting soft shadows that stretch across the hallways.

The experience feels as though one has stepped directly into a scene from the anime. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the building, while in autumn, red leaves enhance its resemblance to the Butterfly Mansion, creating a picturesque, dreamlike scene.


Recommended Ways for Demon Slayer Fans to Enjoy Meiji Mura

ActivityDescription
PhotographyTaking photos in front of the ward or in the corridors recreates the feeling of stepping into the series
Exhibition viewingHistorical medical tools and exhibits can be appreciated alongside the series’ themes
Touring other buildingsVisit churches and schools to further immerse yourself in the Taisho period environment

By combining these activities, fans can experience both the cultural history and the fantasy world of Demon Slayer.


Access Information

The Meiji Mura Museum is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. By public transportation, take a bus from Meitetsu Inuyama Station for about 20 minutes. By car, it is around 15 minutes from the Komaki-Higashi Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.

TransportationDurationNotes
Bus from Meitetsu Inuyama StationAbout 20 minutesDirect to the museum’s main gate
Car (via Komaki-Higashi IC)About 15 minutesParking available
From Nagoya Station (train + bus)About 50 minutesEasy access from the city center

Its accessibility makes it convenient to include in a broader sightseeing trip.


Ticket Information

The admission fees for Meiji Mura Museum are as follows:

CategoryPrice
AdultsAround 2,000 yen
High school studentsAround 1,200 yen
Elementary and junior high studentsAround 700 yen

Annual passes are also available, offering great value for those who wish to return multiple times.


Nearby Tourist Attractions

In addition to Meiji Mura, Inuyama offers several other must-see attractions:

AttractionHighlight
Inuyama CastleJapan’s oldest surviving wooden castle tower, designated as a national treasure
Japan Monkey CenterA world-class primate zoo
Kiso River Ukai (Cormorant Fishing)A traditional summer spectacle with a magical atmosphere

Combining these attractions with Meiji Mura creates a rich and fulfilling travel experience, not only for Demon Slayer fans but also for history enthusiasts and families.


Conclusion

The Japanese Red Cross Central Hospital Ward, preserved at the Meiji Mura Museum in Inuyama City, is widely recognized as the model for the Butterfly Mansion in Demon Slayer. With its white walls, large windows, and long corridors, the building offers fans the chance to step directly into the world of the series.

Beyond the ward itself, the entire Meiji Mura grounds immerse visitors in Taisho Romanticism, making it a perfect destination for those who wish to relive the series’ atmosphere while enjoying authentic history. Coupled with convenient access and nearby attractions, it is truly a must-visit spot.

For those who want to experience the lingering presence of the series in real life, a visit to Meiji Mura is highly recommended.