The Tokyo Toy Museum is one of the only museums in the world that focuses on fostering creativity through play. Featuring toys not only from Japan but all over the world, children can touch warm, wooden toys and participate in workshops that stimulate their imagination.
In this article, we’ll cover the charm of the Tokyo Toy Museum, along with practical information such as opening hours, admission fees, and how to buy tickets.
1.What is the Tokyo Toy Museum?
引用：東京おもちゃ美術館
The Tokyo Toy Museum is a unique place where visitors can experience the joy of play and learning through toys. House in a renovated former elementary school, it allows visitors to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the old building while feeling the warmth of natural wood.
This is a museum where you can touch, play, and learn. It’s a place where not just children, but adults too can reconnect with their inner child and have fun.
1-1.Hours and Closed Days
The Tokyo Toy Museum’s operating hours and closed days are as follows:
Opening Hours
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
Closed Days
- The museum is generally closed on Thursdays.
- If Thursday is a public holiday, the museum will remain open, with a substitute holiday set for a different day.
- The museum closes for maintenance in February and September.
- Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Re-entry
- Weekdays: You may re-enter the museum on the same day, except during long holiday periods.
- Weekends and holidays: Re-entry is not allowed. Once you exit, you’ll need to buy another ticket to re-enter.
Baby’s Wood Nursery Room
- This area operates on a timed system with one-hour sessions.
- Children aged 3 and older (including siblings) are not allowed inside.
- Diaper-changing and nursing spaces are available at any time.
For the latest information, please check the official Tokyo Toy Museum website.
1-2.Ticket Prices and How to Buy Tickets
Ticket prices for the Tokyo Toy Museum are as follows:
Adults (junior high school students and older)
- Online: ¥1,100
- At the door: ¥1,300
Children (6 months to elementary school)
- Online: ¥800
- At the door: ¥1,000
*Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by an adult.
Infants under 6 months, guests with special invitation tickets, and people with a disability certificate
Free
Tickets purchased online are cheaper than those purchased at the door. The online ticket purchase site also has an English option.
You’ll need to buy a timed ticket for the specific date and time if you’re planning on using the Baby’s Wood Nursery Room. This room operates on a one-hour rotating basis.
1-3.Access
Here’s how to get to the Tokyo Toy Museum:
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Yotsuya-Sanchome Station”
The museum is about a 5-minute walk from Exit 2. Walk straight after exiting the station, turn right at the Yotsuya 4-Chome East intersection, and you’ll see the museum.
Toei Shinjuku Line “Akebonobashi Station”
The museum is about an 8-minute walk from Exit A1. Walk towards Shinjuku along Shinjuku-dori Avenue, turn right at the Yotsuya 4-Chome East intersection, and you’ll see the museum.
The museum is also about a 20-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and Yotsuya Station on various train lines. Please note that there is no parking available.
1-4.Services for Families with Children
The Tokyo Toy Museum offers a variety of services to ensure families with small children can enjoy their visit with ease.
Stroller Parking
At the entrance of the building you’ll find a space to park strollers. Strollers need to be folded before parking. A baby carrier is useful to bring, as you cannot move around the museum with a stroller.
Diaper Changing Areas
There are several diaper-changing stations equipped with changing pads throughout the museum.
Nursing Rooms
Private nursing rooms are available. If you have a nursing cover, you can also nurse on benches on each floor. The staff can provide a nursing cover if needed.
The museum is designed to be barrier-free, making it easy to navigate for those using wheelchairs. The warm, wooden environment creates a comforting space where children can play safely.
2.How to Enjoy the Tokyo Toy Museum by Age Group
The Tokyo Toy Museum offers various experiences tailored to different age groups, ensuring visitors of all ages can have fun. Here are some recommendations based on age.
2-1.Ages 0-2
The Baby’s Wood Nursery Room is a dedicated area for children aged 0-2. In this space, babies and toddlers can explore sensory experiences with soft, wooden toys, while having the freedom to move around safely in a protected environment with their caregivers.
Once they start walking, children can enjoy the pretend play area in Yellow Toy Town, in particular the Pretend Farm where they can “harvest” toy vegetables.
2-2.Ages 3-6
For children aged 3-6, Toy Forest is a must-visit. They can take off their shoes and fully immerse themselves in play.
The Toy Workshop, where children can make their own custom toys, is another fantastic choice. This hands-on activity lets them take home a toy that will surely become a cherished keepsake.
2-3.Ages 7 and Up
For children aged 7 and older, there are more intellectual and creative experiences that expand their understanding of the world through toys.
One option is viting the Special Exhibition Room, which showcases toys from around the world and themed displays.Another exciting option is the Wood Toy Workshop, which allows kids to use electric jigsaws to create wooden toys. It’s a great way to experience the joy of crafting something from wood.
2-4.Adults
The Tokyo Toy Museum isn’t just for kids—it’s also a place where adults can reconnect with their playful side.
In the Good Toy Exhibition Room, adults can try out award-winning “Good Toys” that promote healthy development in children. Offering analog games from around the world, The Game Room lets you enjoy competitive gameplay, strategize, and work together with friends or family.
3.Recommended Spots Around the Tokyo Toy Museum
After enjoying the Tokyo Toy Museum, there are plenty of nearby attractions that cater to both kids and adults. Here are a few spots worth visiting.
3-1.DiningCafe Full Swing
Located about 2-3 minutes on foot from the Tokyo Toy Museum, DiningCafe Full Swing is a family-friendly café.
It’s a popular spot for families with young children, given its proximity to the museum. The café offers a kids’ menu which features favorites like hamburgers and omurice (omelet rice). They also provide high chairs and child-friendly utensils, so you can relax while dining with small children.
3-2.Shinjuku Gyoen
After spending time at the Tokyo Toy Museum, why not take a short walk to the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden? It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city which offers beautiful scenery in every season, and is within walking distance of the museum.
Spread out a picnic blanket on the vast lawns, and enjoy a meal with family while soaking in the natural beauty. The fresh air and open space provide a perfect environment for children to run and play, refreshing both their minds and bodies.
3-3.Café La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen
Café La Boheme Shinjuku Gyoen is a stylish Italian restaurant close to Shinjuku Gyoen, offering a hidden escape for adults.
The café feels like an oasis in the middle of the city with its high ceilings and a spacious interior. From the window seats, you can enjoy a view of the lush gardens while savoring authentic Italian cuisine. The menu features dishes made with fresh ingredients, including seafood pasta and carefully crafted meat dishes.
3-4.Fire Museum
At the Fire Museum, visitors can learn about the history of firefighting in Japan from the Edo period to the present day, through valuable exhibits and materials. There are a variety of items on display, including full-sized fire trucks, ladder trucks and pump trucks, as well as firefighter equipment.
There are also sections where visitors can learn in-depth about the duties of firefighters, with video presentations showing how they respond to fires and other emergencies.
Conclusion
The Tokyo Toy Museum is a must-visit destination for both children and adults, and it’s highly recommended for international tourists as well. The museum is sure to delight all ages with its wide range of traditional Japanese toys as well as modern wooden toys.
The museum also features the APTY Museum Shop, where you can find handcrafted toys made by artisans, as well as award-winning toys, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.
In addition, the museum boasts play areas like the Toy Forest and Toy Town, where kids can play barefoot, and a section dedicated to analog games, ensuring there’s plenty of fun for everyone.
*This article is based on information available as of October 2024.
