Hooray, the kids are back in school! Finally, I can peacefully write about our visit to Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum (伊香保おもちゃと人形 自動車博物館). We went there on the last day of our Gunma trip (群馬県). It was our second visit to the museum. We were there seven years ago on our honeymoon! It was such a wonderful feeling to be back there with Fireball and Twinkle-Bell.
Toys, Dolls, and Teddy Bears
They have all sorts of toys in the museum. Collectables, vintage toys, Japanese folk toys from various prefectures, toys from other countries, all sorts of teddy bears…
Showa Memorabilia
There is also a walk down memory lane in Showa-style, offering a nostalgic atmosphere.
Fireball and Twinkle-bell both had a try on a vintage pinball game, which is older than both their ages combined. LOL
Classic Cars
I’m not a big fan of cars, but I do find one of the exhibits interesting (third picture below). According to my husband, this was the actual local tofu restaurant featured in the Initial D comic series. When Fujiwara Tofu Ten (藤原豆腐店) was demolished, the museum restored and preserved the storefront.
There are also car exhibits in the exterior part of the museum, where hungry koi fish roam.
Though its name only suggests three major themes – TOY, DOLL and CARS, this unique museum certainly contains many more things. For example, World Wine & Beer; Squirrel Garden; Retro-confectionary store selling all sorts of old-fashioned candies and goods; a really small chocolate factory…
And A Mini Kewpie Factory…
We were each given a free “naked” Kewpie doll at the entrance where we bought the tickets. Toward the end of the museum tour, there is a cozy area where we can sit down and let our inner artist loose. Oil-based pens are provided for us to paint the Kewpie doll in any fashion we like.
Our pretty scary works of art! (^_^;)
Museum Information
Admission Fee
Adult: ¥1080
Children (Over 4 years old): ¥430
See the Official Information Guide here.
Center Opening Hours:
8:30 am – 6:00 p.m. (From 25 April to 31 October)
8:30 am – 5:00 p.m. (From 1 November to 24 April)
(Last entry 30 minutes before closing.)
Open throughout the year.
Please double-check with the official website.
Car Park
A free parking lot for 200 vehicles.
Address
群馬県北群馬郡吉岡町上野田2145 水沢観音下 〒370-3606
See access on the official website.
