Panduan
Omocha no Machi Bandai Museum, located in Mibu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, is a museum themed around the history and culture of toys. The museum is composed of four main theme museums: Japan, the World, Edison, and Hobbies (such as Gundam). It features a diverse collection ranging from Japanese toys from the Edo period to modern pop culture, world toys from Europe and beyond, Thomas Edison's inventions, and iconic Gundam models. This makes it an engaging destination for visitors of all ages, from young children to adult collectors.
The facility showcases how toys have evolved and influenced human life and culture. Through various sections, visitors can witness the transition from traditional Japanese toys used since the Edo period to the robot boom of the 1950s and modern character-based toys. Additionally, through the Edison collection, guests can explore the intersection of technology and leisure, seeing how scientific advancements shaped the way people play and relax.
The exhibition areas are incredibly diverse. In the "World Toy Museum," you can explore toys from around the world, with a focus on Europe. The "Japan Toy Museum" showcases iconic characters that represent Japanese culture, such as Super Sentai, Precure, Astro Boy, and Sailor Moon. The "Hobby Museum" features sophisticated Gundam collections and models, including works by Director Tomino and the 1/44 White Base. The "Edison Museum" houses historical items like incandescent light bulbs and phonographs that reflect the legacy of the great inventor. Other fascinating exhibits include the "Model Coal Mine" diorama and vintage arcade games that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
The atmosphere of the museum changes depending on the season and time of day. For instance, on beautiful sunny days, you can enjoy the outdoor space at the Museum Garden. During certain special periods, such as Tochigi Prefectural Citizens' Day, special promotions like discounted admission may be available. While the core exhibits are enjoyable year-round, there are always new discoveries to be made, especially regarding the evolution of specific characters or technologies.
Many items on display are precious collections with significant historical value. Visitors can visually trace the evolution of technology through the arcade game area, the Little Jammer exhibits, and the model coal mine. Additionally, the museum offers iconic photo spots, such as the life-sized Gundam bust and monuments marking the birthplace of certain character toys, allowing visitors to feel the depth of toy culture.
Located in Mibu Town, Tochigi, the museum is surrounded by an area that carries the history of being a "Toy Town." While most visitors access the museum by car, it is also accessible via train. We recommend planning your visit alongside other local attractions in the Tochigi area.
To protect the precious exhibits, visitors are asked to follow museum rules. Payments can be made via cash or credit card depending on the specific facility area. While English signage and information are available, we recommend reading the background information of each item to fully appreciate the era it represents. Photography rules may vary by area, so please follow the local instructions. There is a parking lot with 70 spaces, including space for large buses.