Exploring The Enchanting World Of Toys At Tokyo Toy Museum
Intro
Welcome to the enchanting world of the Tokyo Toy Museum! This unique museum invites visitors of all ages to embark on an exciting adventure into the world of toys. Once inside, you’ll be embraced by a fascinating collection of vintage toys from all around the world.
From vintage classics to modern marvels, the Tokyo Toy Museum celebrates the timeless allure of toys, providing an immersive experience that will ignite your sense of wonder. Follow our guide below and let the adventure begin!
About Tokyo Toy Museum
In the modest schoolyard of an old primary school in Shinjuku Ward, close to the city’s heart, there is a slide and a play area with sand. However, neither pupils nor teachers can be found at this special school. In fact, a vivid red banner, hanging and adorned on the outside wall indicates that this place is the Tokyo Toy Museum.
The number of students registering at the school has significantly fallen over the previous several years. Finally, the facility was no longer being utilized as a primary school, and it became the Tokyo Toy Museum in 2008.
Tokyo Toy Museum is essentially a hands-on playground for people of all ages, despite the fact that it is referred to as a museum. The museum offers a collection of more than ten thousand toys from Japan and other countries.
This museum has three floors, and each one has a distinct theme. Explore Toy Square Red, an area specializing in conventional Japanese toys, for a really authentic Japanese experience. If you’re looking for a more creative experience, join some interesting workshops at the museum.
Tokyo Toy Museum Details
| Address | 4-20 Yotsuya, Shinjuku 160-0004, Tokyo, Japan |
| Phone number | 03 5367 9601 |
| Website | Visitors｜TOKYO TOY MUSEUM |
| Opening hours | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Time Open | Mondays – Tuesdays – Wednesdays – Fridays – Saturdays – Sundays – Holidays |
| Closed days | Thursdays |
| Admission |
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Lost In The Enchanting World Of Toys In Different Theme Rooms
This toy museum has three floors, and each one has a unique theme. You can still see the old classrooms on the 2nd floor. When you enter one, you’ll see that all of the office furniture has been taken out, and the freshly re-laid flooring releases a pleasant odor.
Guests to the museum can explore the fascination of toys in nine different rooms. Each room has many different types of toys to satisfy your imagination and bring endless fun to you.
1. Room 1: Museum Shop Apty
Nestled within the charming confines of the museum, this shop offers a wide array of unique and nostalgic toys that ignite the imagination and bring back cherished memories. From classic wooden toys and traditional Japanese playthings to modern gadgets and interactive games, Apty has something to captivate every visitor.
the Museum Shop Apty is a great place you can’t miss. (Source: Internet)
Whether you’re looking for a memento to commemorate your visit or searching for the perfect gift, the Museum Shop Apty is a great place you can’t miss.
2. Room 2: Good Toy Gallery
This space is overflowing to the gills with toys that conform to a set of standards, i.e., they have been approved as being beneficial to kids’ intellectual and physical growth.
There will be something that will grab the interest of every guest, from beautifully created wooden dolls to delightful wind-up items. (Source: Internet)
Every corner is well maintained, and the shelves and storage areas are filled high with an enormous variety of contemporary toys, vintage toys, and traditional Japanese toys. There will be something that will grab the interest of every guest, from beautifully created wooden dolls to delightful wind-up items.
3. Room 3: Special Exhibition
The only area where looking is more important than touching is this one. However, spending a few minutes in the Special Exhibition area to look at all the many toys from other cultures and eras is still fascinating.
spending a few minutes in the Special Exhibition area to look at all the many toys from other cultures and eras is still fascinating. (Source: Internet)
The carefully curated collection showcases an array of vintage toys, cherished classics, and cutting-edge creations from around the globe.The majority of the toys on display are handcrafted, hand-carved, and require the craftsmanship of the artist.
4. Room 4: Wooden Toy Forest
A space filled with wooden toys is called the Toy Forest. You can explore an enormous doll area with adorable wooden dolls for play. Another interactive area with more than 20,000 wooden beads that resembles a sandbox, is also a fun game. Like in an area filled with plastic balls, kids can jump in and roll about.
A space filled with wooden toys is called the Toy Forest. (Source: Internet)
As well as wooden blocks in a variety of forms and sizes, there are many games to enjoy. Playing puzzles, attending events, and having fun are all open to everyone.
5. Room 5: Toy Square Yellow
The realm of scientific creation and discovery serves as the backdrop for the Toy Square Yellow Room. Numerous science-based toys are available. They make use of a variety of mechanisms, including geometric forms, centrifugal forces, and water pressure.
The realm of scientific creation and discovery serves as the backdrop for the Toy Square Yellow Room. (Source: Internet)
Children may ‘raise their own veggies’ in a food forest. Everyone can also play with balancing toys and musical toys that include dropping wooden balls down spirals to make sounds. Additionally, there is a tiny playhouse area.
6. Room 6: Toy Square Red
Explore the fascinating world of traditional Japanese toys in room 6. As you step inside, you are greeted by vibrant red walls adorned with shelves upon shelves of carefully curated toys from different eras.
Explore the fascinating world of traditional Japanese toys in room 6. (Source: Internet)
Japanese vintage games, spinning tops, cup-and-ball games, and more options are available. Additionally, there are areas where Ryukyu toys and old Japanese games from the Showa era are displayed.
7. Room 7: Game Salon
Step into this vibrant space and be transported to a world where playfulness knows no bounds!
You can have fun with analog games, which are well-liked by kids around. Let’s play several board games, solve Chinese riddles, and play some wooden soccer. As you can see, it’s a fantastic spot for people to meet up and have fun together.
You can have fun with analog games, which are well-liked by kids around. (Source: Internet)
8. Room 8: Toy Factory
This is the area where you may create traditional Japanese toys. For beginning times and to make a reservation, ask at the reception desk.
You can learn to create your own toys. Little ones should take beginner-level sessions utilizing supplies like papers, cups, cartons, and other basic items. Complexer ones can be made by adults and older kids. An out-of-the-ordinary excursion with the family to Tokyo gets better through these experiences.
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9. Room 9: Wooden Baby Room
Even if you don’t have a baby with you, you should still visit the baby’s area. It is just too elegant and lovely to be missed. Everything is tiny and pretty and smartly arranged, convenient, and safe for babies.
This space was created specifically for babies from birth to two years old. (Source: Internet)
This space was created specifically for babies from birth to two years old. The innovative slide, tunnel, and other functional toys will undoubtedly provide parents and kids the chance to unwind and enjoy themselves on the clean, cozy timber floor.
Play, Learn, Create: Exciting Workshops For All Ages At The Tokyo Toy Museum
The Tokyo Toy Museum offers an array of captivating workshops that ignite the imagination and bring joy to both children and adults alike. Through its workshops, participants can engage in hands-on activities such as toy-making, origami, storytelling, and puppetry.
Expert instructors guide attendees through each step, encouraging them to unleash their artistic potential and discover the magic of play.
You can try some exciting workshops including:
- Check out a Japanese puppet performance
- Learn about traditional basic Japanese games
- Attend a Japanese tea ceremony
- Japanese-style animal paper cut
- Discover games from the Edo period
- Learn Japanese songs.
Other Indoor Activities To Explore In Tokyo
1. Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo, is heaven for fans of the renowned Studio Ghibli animations. From the moment you enter, you can feel the magic atmosphere of Ghibli films, which transport you to enchanting worlds filled with mythical creatures, lovely characters, and cinematic landscapes. The museum does not sell tickets; you must book online.
The Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo, is heaven for fans of the renowned Studio Ghibli animations. (Source: Internet)
2. teamLab Planets Tokyo
TeamLab Planets provides a sensory and thrilling encounter with the collective’s distinctive digital art that has enchanted the world. There are only 9 artworks at the museum, yet they each have a huge amount of space because they spread over an entire ten thousand square meters.
3. Aqua Park Shinagawa
The aquarium greets visitors with its lovely marine life and cutting-edge illumination. It is easily accessible in Shinagawa, an area in eastern Tokyo. There are captivating performances available along with breathtaking light displays.
4. Attend a Japanese tea ceremony
Experiencing a Japanese tea ceremony is like entering a serene and ritualistic world of elegance and mindfulness. The tea master, dressed in traditional attire, gracefully prepared each step with meticulous attention to detail. The precision of their movements was mesmerizing, from the gentle whisking of the powdered tea to the artful placement of delicate sweets
How To Get To Tokyo Toy Museum
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Yotsuya-sanchoume Station, Exit No.2, 6-minute walk
- Toei Shinjuku Line, Akebono-Cho Station, Exit A1, 9-minute walk
- JR Line, Shinjuku Station, East Exit, 30-minute walking
FAQs
1. Is it allowed to bring food and water into the Tokyo Toy Museum?
You are not allowed to bring foods and sugary drinks into the museum. Water and unsweetened beverages are permitted.
2. Is there free WiFi at the museum?
The answer is No.
3. Are strollers permitted in the museum?
Avoid bringing a stroller in since there are several narrow passageways. You can leave your stroller on a spot inside the entryway.
4. Does the Tokyo Toy Museum have a gift shop?
Yes, the Tokyo Toy Museum does have a gift shop. The museum’s gift store, Apty, sells a broad range of toys, games, and souvenirs related to the exhibitions and themes of the museum.
5. What is a popular toy in Japan?
A well-liked toy in Japan is the “Kendama.” A wooden handle with three cups and a spike, a ball attached by a thread, and a spike make up the Kendama, a traditional Japanese skill toy.
6. What was the first Japanese toy?
“Top” is the first toy in Japan. The most ancient top ever discovered in Japan was reportedly unearthed from “Buchi sesame” which dates back to the sixth century. Buchi sesame is a device that converts a top to play by whipping at it.
7. What is the largest museum in Tokyo?
Over 130,000 works of art and archaeological artifacts from Japan and other regions of Asia are preserved in the Tokyo National Museum, which is the oldest and biggest museum in Japan.
8. What is the toy city of Japan?
Omocha-no-machi (toy town) is the official name of a region in Mibu, Tochigi, where several toy makers have established manufacturing complexes. Omocha-no-machi Station is roughly five minutes by car from the MibuMachi Toy Museum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tokyo Toy Museum is a captivating destination that celebrates the joy and wonder of toys. With its diverse collection, interactive exhibits, and nostalgic charm, it offers an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages, leaving them with cherished memories of the magic found within the world of toys. Take a day to explore this toy kingdom, you will have endless fun experiences.
