Tucked inside a former elementary school in Shinjuku, the Tokyo Toy Museum (東京おもちゃ美術館) is where play, learning, and tradition come together. Families step into wooden classrooms filled with handcrafted toys, modern play zones, and exhibits that invite kids to touch, build, and imagine. From giant building blocks to delicate Japanese kendama, every corner sparks curiosity. For parents, it’s not just a museum, it’s a reminder of the timeless joy of play.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place. If you’re considering sightseeing passes, our Tokyo Passes Guide breaks down the best options for families. Want more ideas? See our full Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and more.
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Why Tokyo Toy Museum is Great for Families with Kids
- A hands-on, interactive museum where kids are encouraged to touch and play, not just observe.
- Unique balance of traditional Japanese toys and modern play equipment.
- Safe, indoor environment, perfect for rainy days or hot Tokyo afternoons.
- Friendly volunteers (“Toy Curators”) help guide families through exhibits.
- Activities and workshops where children can make their own toys.
Parent Insight: Play is more than entertainment, it’s how children process the world. At places like the Tokyo Toy Museum, parents can step back and let kids lead, discovering the joy of creativity and collaboration. These shared moments of free play often become the most lasting memories of family travel.
Best Things to Do at Tokyo Toy Museum with Kids
- Wooden Toy Forest: A warm, sensory playroom filled with wooden toys, perfect for toddlers and young children.
- Global Toy Room: Explore toys from around the world and let kids try games they’ve never seen before.
- Baby Room: A safe, cozy space designed especially for infants, with age-appropriate toys and seating for parents.
- Toy Workshops: Families can join hands-on craft sessions to make their own toys to take home.
- Exhibits on Traditional Japanese Toys: Try classics like kendama, koma spinning tops, or daruma otoshi, and see how generations of kids once played.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tokyo Toy Museum with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – Adults ¥1,100, kids ¥800; infants free. Workshops may cost extra.
- Best Age Range: Ideal for ages 0–10, though older kids may still enjoy hands-on workshops.
- Stroller-Friendly?: No, as strollers are not allowed.
- Rest Areas: Benches and seating areas inside; baby-care facilities available.
- Food: No food inside playrooms; vending machines and small lounge space available.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo Toy Museum with Kids
The best time to visit Tokyo Toy Museum with kids is on weekday mornings right after opening, when the museum is quieter and play areas are less crowded. This allows little ones to explore freely without long waits at the most popular toy corners. Weekends and holidays often see more families, so arriving early is key if that’s your only option.
Spring and autumn are also ideal seasons, as the museum is fully indoors but the surrounding Shinjuku neighborhood is pleasant for combining with a nearby park stroll or lunch afterward. During summer vacation and rainy days, expect higher crowds as families flock to indoor play spaces.
How Long to Spend at Tokyo Toy Museum with Kids
Families should plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at Tokyo Toy Museum with kids. This gives enough time to enjoy the different playrooms, from the wooden toy areas to the infant-friendly Baby Room, plus join a workshop if available. Younger children may tire out sooner, while older kids can easily spend half a day tinkering and exploring the interactive exhibits.
If you are combining the museum with nearby stops like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or a local café, keep your visit closer to the 2-hour mark. Families with toddlers or rainy-day schedules may want to stretch it longer, especially if kids are deeply engaged in the hands-on activities.
How to Get to Tokyo Toy Museum with Kids
- By Train: 5 min. walk from Exit 2, Yotsuya-sanchome Station (Marunouchi Line) or 8 min. walk from A1 Exit, Akebonobashi Station (Toei Shinjuku Line). From JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit), it’s about a 25 min. walk or a short bus/taxi ride.
- By Bus: Several city buses stop near Yotsuya and Shinjuku areas. Look for the Yotsuya Sanchome or Akebonobashi stops.
- Special Note: The museum is inside a renovated elementary school building. Look for the bright red flags with playful toy motifs.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Bring socks! Many play areas require shoes off, so comfy socks make it easier for kids to run around. Plus, it’s fun to slide on the wooden floors!
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Tokyo Toy Museum
- Luxury
- Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main – About 15 minutes by train. Large rooms, lush gardens, and family-friendly dining make it a comfortable city retreat.
- Mid-Range
- Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo – 10 minutes on foot. Apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes give families more space and flexibility.
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Around 20 minutes by train. Compact rooms but fun Godzilla theme and central Shinjuku location.
- Budget
- Tokyu Stay Shinjuku – About 15 minutes by train. Family-sized rooms with washer/dryers are perfect for longer stays.
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku and the historic Senso-ji Temple to DisneySea, Ueno Zoo, and the bay area of Odaiba; don’t miss our Tokyo Indoor Activities Guide for rainy or hot weather adventures, or our Best Museums in Tokyo Guide for deeper cultural fun. Families planning a longer stay will love our Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary, which balances iconic landmarks with kid-friendly hidden gems. For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Tokyo Toy Museum
A visit to the Tokyo Toy Museum is all about hands-on play and creativity, but families can easily extend the adventure with nearby attractions in Shinjuku and central Tokyo. Here are some fun spots close to the museum:
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – A spacious park with wide lawns, ponds, and seasonal flowers. Great for picnics and giving kids room to run.
- Tokyo Fire Museum – A free museum where kids can climb into fire trucks, helicopters, and learn about firefighting history through interactive displays.
- Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square – A massive department store complex with toy shops, kid-friendly restaurants, and rooftop spaces for families.
FAQs: Visiting Tokyo Toy Museum with Kids
Visiting the Tokyo Toy Museum with kids? Our FAQs cover opening hours, ticket prices, best ages, rainy-day activities, and family tips, see more on the official English site.
A: The Tokyo Toy Museum is a family-friendly attraction in a renovated elementary school in Shinjuku. It features hands-on exhibits, traditional Japanese toys, global games, and themed playrooms for children of all ages, making it a fun cultural and educational stop for families in Tokyo.
A: The Tokyo Toy Museum is generally open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Thursdays. Hours may change on holidays or during special events, so it’s best to confirm the latest schedule on the official website before your visit.
A: Admission to the Tokyo Toy Museum is ¥1,100 for adults and junior high students, and ¥800 for children under junior high. Entry is free for infants, but some toy-making workshops may require an additional fee.
A: Strollers are not allowed inside the playrooms, but there is stroller parking at the entrance. Families with babies should bring a baby carrier to move around comfortably and make the most of the museum’s multi-level play areas.
A: Most families spend about 2–3 hours exploring the Tokyo Toy Museum. This allows kids to enjoy the wooden toy rooms, interactive exhibits, and even join a workshop. Plan extra time if your children love hands-on play or creative activities.
A: Yes. The Tokyo Toy Museum has spaces like the Baby Room and Wooden Toy Forest, designed for infants and toddlers. These areas are safe, interactive, and filled with age-appropriate toys, making the museum especially welcoming for younger children.
A: Yes. Children can join toy-making workshops at the Tokyo Toy Museum, where they create and decorate their own toys to take home. These sessions are guided by staff and often highlight traditional Japanese craft techniques, making them both fun and educational.
A: The Tokyo Toy Museum is absolutely worth visiting for families. With hands-on exhibits, traditional and modern toys, and dedicated areas for all ages, it offers a unique cultural experience that blends play and learning. It’s one of the best indoor attractions in Tokyo for kids.
A: The Tokyo Toy Museum is located in Yotsuya, Shinjuku. The closest stations are Yotsuya-sanchome Station (Marunouchi Line) and Akebonobashi Station (Toei Shinjuku Line), each about a 5–7 minute walk. Clear signage helps guide families from the station to the museum entrance.
Until Next Time…
The Tokyo Toy Museum isn’t just a rainy-day activity, it’s a celebration of play, imagination, and discovery. Whether stacking wooden blocks, spinning tops, or crafting a handmade toy, families leave with more than souvenirs. They leave with laughter, shared stories, and the simple reminder that play has no age limit.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
