Guide
Omocha no Machi Bandai Museum, located in Mibu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of toys. The museum is organized into four major themed sections: Japan, the World, Edison, and Hobbies (such as Gundam). Visitors can explore a vast collection ranging from traditional Japanese toys of the Edo period to global toys inherited from London and Europe, the revolutionary inventions of Thomas Edison, and modern pop culture icons like Gundam. It is an engaging destination for both children and adults.
The museum illustrates how toys have evolved and influenced human life and culture. Through its various sections, visitors can trace the transition from traditional Japanese toys of the Edo period to the robot boom of the 1950s and the character-driven toy culture of today. Additionally, the Edison collection highlights the intersection of technology and leisure, showing how scientific advancements directly shaped the world of play and entertainment.
The exhibition areas are diverse and captivating. The "World Toy Museum" features toys from around the world, with a focus on Europe. The "Japan Toy Museum" showcases iconic cultural items such as Super Sentai, PreCure, Astro Boy, and Sailor Moon. In the "Hobby Museum," enthusiasts can find sophisticated Gundam collections, works by Director Yoshiyuki Tomino, and detailed models like the 1/44 White Base. The "Edison Museum" preserves history through items like the incandescent light bulb and the phonograph. Other unique highlights include the moving "Model Coal Mine" diorama and vintage arcade games that evoke nostalgia.
The atmosphere of the museum shifts depending on the season and time of day. On beautiful days, the Museum Garden offers a pleasant outdoor space to enjoy. The museum also hosts special events, such as discounts during Tochigi Prefectural Citizen's Day. While the core exhibitions are available year-round, the focus on specific characters or technological eras ensures that every visit feels like a new discovery.
Many items on display are precious historical collections. You can visually experience the evolution of technology through the arcade game area, the Little Jammer exhibits, and the model coal mine. The museum also features a life-sized Gundam bust and monuments marking the birthplace of certain character toys, providing a deep sense of the cultural impact of these icons.
Located in Mibu Town, Tochigi, the area is steeped in the history of being a "Town of Toys." While most visitors arrive by car, it is also accessible via train. You can easily plan a day trip by combining a visit to the museum with other local attractions in the Tochigi region.
To protect the precious exhibits, please follow the museum's rules. Payments can be made via cash or credit card depending on the specific facility status. While English signage is available, we recommend reading the background information of each item to fully appreciate the historical context. Photography restrictions may apply in certain areas; please follow local instructions. There is a parking lot with 70 spaces, which can accommodate large buses.