Toy Town Bandai Museum

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Toy Town Bandai Museum

A museum packed with the charm of toys.

Last update :
Supervised by :  BANDAI CO., LTD.

Step inside and you’re surrounded by toys from around the world, with Bandai—still a leading name in Japan’s toy industry—at the center. Highlights range from a rare collection related to Edison, known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park,” to a meticulously recreated life-size Gundam bust, plus artistically valuable antique toys inherited from the London Toy Museum. All told, the museum draws a carefully curated selection from its collection of Approx. 35,000 items.

Inside, the museum is made up of four themed galleries: “Toys of Japan,” “Toys of the World,” “Edison Invention Collection,” and “Hobby (Gundam).”

In the “Toys of Japan” area, around 8,000 items are on display, ranging from Heian-period playthings to character merchandise that became popular in recent years. The “Toys of the World” area, filled with toys mainly from Europe, offers a glimpse into different eras and cultures around the globe. Don’t miss Edison’s three major invention collections, as well as Gundam works such as “ZAKU’s Dream,” the first three-dimensional piece by Director Tomino, the “creator of Gundam,” which can only be seen here.

Highlights

  • Toys from around the world, with Bandai at the heart of the collection.
  • Four themes that give the exhibits a wide-ranging scope.
  • Right at the entrance, the life-size Gundam bust makes a striking first impression.

Photos

  • With a wide variety of exhibits, you can learn about the history and culture of toys

    With a wide variety of exhibits, you can learn about the history and culture of toys

  • The “Old Toys and Playthings” corner features kaiawase, a shell-matching game enjoyed by Heian aristocrats

    The “Old Toys and Playthings” corner features kaiawase, a shell-matching game enjoyed by Heian aristocrats

  • A powerful, life-size Gundam bust recreated in stunning detail

    A powerful, life-size Gundam bust recreated in stunning detail

  • Plenty of rare items, including tin toys and Japan’s first character toys

    Plenty of rare items, including tin toys and Japan’s first character toys

  • A collection inherited from the London Toy Museum is also on display

    A collection inherited from the London Toy Museum is also on display

  • There’s also a “Gashapon Corner,” perfect for souvenirs

    There’s also a “Gashapon Corner,” perfect for souvenirs

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are foreign-language brochures or information signs available? (If so, please let us know the supported languages.)

A

English brochures are available. Please ask the front desk staff at reception.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

No.

Q

Are there coin lockers?

A

No.

Q

Is re-entry allowed?

A

Yes.

Q

Is there a smoking area?

A

No.

Q

Can I buy souvenirs or toys at a shop?

A

There is no shop at this museum.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
おもちゃのまちバンダイミュージアム
Postal Code
321-0202
Address
3-6-20 Omocha no Machi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi
Phone
0282-86-2310
Closed on
Wednesdays, New Year’s holidays
Hours
10:00 am-4:30 pm (Last admission at 4:00 pm)
Admission
High school students and older: 1,000 yen; Ages 4 to junior high school: 600 yen; Ages 65 and older: 800 yen; Ages 3 and under: Free
Access
Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Omocha no Machi Station (Tobu Utsunomiya Line)
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa