WarabeKan

In the very heart of Tottori lies a wonderful place where childhood memories come to life. Warabekan is a unique museum of toys and children's songs that opened in 1995. It is housed in the historic building of a former public warehouse and is today considered one of the most touching cultural attractions that Japan has to offer travelers.

Warabe-kan. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum occupies three spacious floors, each dedicated to preserving cultural heritage. It houses not only traditional Japanese dolls and vintage games but also a rich collection of warabe-uta—folk children's songs. This is not just an exhibition behind glass, but a living space that immerses visitors in the nostalgic atmosphere of past eras.

The Warabekan exhibition will be of interest to all generations. For adults, it's a chance to momentarily return to a carefree past, while for children, it's an opportunity to see what toys were like before the era of modern gadgets. The museum is rightfully considered an important center for preserving Japanese traditions and a favorite spot for family leisure.

For up-to-date information on special exhibitions or events, you can use the following contact details:

Start your journey through the museum on the first floor, home to the "Doyo Room" (Children's Song Room). Here, you can literally hear history: the hall features melodies ranging from the post-war years to modern hits from children's TV shows. This space is filled with the sounds of folk tunes that have accompanied generations of Japanese children as they grew up.

The second and third floors transport guests to "Toy World." The collection features approximately 2,000 exhibits from around the globe: from classic tin soldiers and celluloid dolls to wooden crafts and modern gaming consoles. Special attention should be paid to the karakuri mechanical toys from the Edo period, which are surprisingly complex in their design.

For those who prefer a hands-on experience, Warabekan offers interactive spaces like the Toy Laboratory and Play Square. Visitors are allowed to touch and play with many of the exhibits. Additionally, the museum regularly hosts workshops where you can make your own toy, and a massive library with five thousand books makes this place the perfect refuge from bad weather.

The attraction is located in the central part of the city at 3-chōme-202 Nishimachi. Thanks to its convenient location, getting to the museum from the city's main transport hub—JR Tottori Station—is quite easy.

The most budget-friendly and convenient way is to take the "Kururi" city loop bus (Green Route). The ride from the station's bus terminal takes only about 5 minutes and costs a symbolic 100 yen. Buses run quite frequently, approximately every 20 minutes.

If you prefer walking, the route from the station takes about 20 minutes through picturesque city blocks. For those who value maximum comfort, a taxi ride from the central station will take no more than 5 minutes. The museum is very prominent, so it will be easy to find regardless of your mode of transport.

Warabekan owes its existence to the success of the World Toy Exhibition held in Tottori in 1989. Following this triumph, the authorities decided to cement the region's status as the "birthplace of children's songs and toys" by opening this unique space in 1995. The name of the museum was chosen through an open competition among local residents.

The building housing the collection has its own historical value. It is a carefully restored former Prefectural Public Warehouse, whose classical appearance was enhanced with modern architectural solutions. Inside, a special atmosphere has been created, and one of the most popular spots is a replica of an old Japanese classroom, which evokes a sense of fond nostalgia among locals.

The museum also pays tribute to the region's prominent figures. There are halls dedicated to three great musicians born in the prefecture: Teiichi Okano, author of the famous song "Furusato," Torazo Tamura, and Koji Nagi. Their work formed the foundation of the national musical culture that the museum strives to preserve for future generations.

To leisurely explore all three floors of the exhibition, listen to the melodies, and study the toy collection, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours. This is sufficient time to see the main halls and try out the brief interactive segments.

However, if you are planning a trip with children, it is worth allowing a little more time. Interactive zones like the "Toy Laboratory" or the library with its vast number of books can keep young visitors occupied for a long time, turning a simple museum visit into a full-blown half-day adventure.

The museum warmly welcomes visitors daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Please note that entry usually closes half an hour before closing time. This consistent schedule makes it easy to plan a visit in either the morning or afternoon.

The museum is closed on the third Wednesday of every month. If that Wednesday falls on a national holiday, the museum will be closed the following day instead. It is also closed during the New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 1). A nice bonus for summer tourists: throughout the entire month of August, the museum is open every day.

A visit to the toy museum can be perfectly combined with a walk through the city's historic center. The surrounding area is rich in historic buildings and commemorative sites, allowing you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of old Japan.