What other travelers are saying about Fukazawa Tiny Museum, Akiruno
I don't understand why there are people here complaining about 1) How small the museum is 2) How far out they had to travel only for it to be closed, and 3) The entrance fee. First of all, its name already hints of its size, and if you bothered to do your own research prior to going, you would know that the museum is closed during winter months. It's not the owners' fault that you were unaware of this. Also, the entrance fee (which at less than 10 bucks isn't all that expensive) helps upkeep the place and gives the owners a source of income so I don't see what's wrong with paying a little.
I visited in Autumn 2023 on a day trip from central Tokyo via train and it was well worth the 2-hour journey!🍂 Yes the museum is small but it's packed with treasures handcrafted by the owner himself - mostly puppets and dolls that were previously used in shows. In fact he made a good portion of the furniture and fittings in the cafe annex too, which is super impressive and makes the hut an attraction in itself 🤩 The cafe is run by his wife and she was super sweet and welcoming! We had a lovely conversation despite my rather basic level of spoken Japanese.
The male owner is less talkative (he was busy doing work in the yard that day) but he was kind enough to give us a good lunch recommendation, which was a cosy home eatery just 5 minutes down the road.
As for the museum's own cafe, there's only coffee and tea on the menu, but it's just JPY500 and served with a complimentary homemade sweet potato cake (mine was fresh out of the oven!), so zero complaints there ☕ Don't come expecting a full brunch spread and then getting upset and leaving the poor couple an undeserved bad review when you don't get what you want. Like I said, DO YOUR RESEARCH. And if you can't appreciate this place for what it is, don't come.
This is such a tranquil fairytale-like gem in the middle of the forest, and I'd urge everyone to visit at least once in their lives while the place is still up and running! I'd love to come here again sometime, hopefully the couple doesn't retire before I manage to get to it🥺
Note: Media outlets are not allowed to use my photos even with credits.
I visited Tiny Museum and the artist and his wife were incredibly welcoming and kind. The art is amazing and the architecture as well as the gardens were honestly incredible — it left me in awe. So serene and peaceful, the trip was definitely worth it. The area was quite rural so we struggled to get a taxi through the app, the host very kindly and happily helped us to call a taxi and then made sure we got into the correct one, and spoke to the driver for us. The hospitality was so touching as well as the scenery and art. Thank you so much!!
This place was amazing and magical. I highly recommend to visit. Truly enjoyed.
Pictures just do not capture the true whimsical 🥰 feeling of this place.
D. Schmidt
Minneapolis Minnesota
Absolutely gorgeous!!! The walk to the museum has dozens of wooden gnomes to guide your way. We had fun trying to spot them all. The museum itself is small like the name suggests but stunning. Beautiful handcrafted pieces that have a bit of fun and whimsy to them. The cafe just serves tea and coffee with a little delicious treat, overlooking the most beautiful koi ponds with the biggest koi I have ever seen!!! The lady that welcomed us was the artist's wife and she was so lovely and kind.
I felt like I was inside a Ghibli house when I was there.
The decorations and styles the owner put in were astonishing.
The ticket was 800yen.
The Fukazawa Tiny Museum is a private art museum in Akiruno City, Tokyo, dedicated to the work of sculptor Akimitsu Tomonaga. The museum houses approximately 100 original puppets from the beloved NHK children's show "Purin Purin Monogatari" (1979-1982), including the famous Zizi Forest Fairies. You'll also find around 50 handmade wooden carvings, woodblock prints, and artistic lamps created by Tomonaga, all displayed in an intimate setting surrounded by enchanting gardens with koi ponds.
The museum is located in a remote forested area with no direct public transportation. Take the JR Chuo Line to Musashi Itsukaichi Station, then take a taxi for approximately 10 minutes up the mountainous terrain to reach 492 Fukasawa, Akiruno-shi. The final approach requires a short hike along hilly forest paths marked by charming wooden gnome sculptures. If driving, be aware that parking is very limited due to the remote location.
The museum operates seasonally from April 1 to November 30 each year and is closed during winter months. The museum is quite small and intimate, so it's recommended to check current operating status before visiting, as it may occasionally close for maintenance or private events.
Based on available information, the museum charges admission fees, though specific prices may vary. Plan for approximately 1-2 hours for your visit, which includes time to walk the fairy-tale forest path guided by wooden gnomes, explore the museum collection, enjoy the gardens and koi ponds, and potentially visit the traditional café where you might meet the artist's wife who often welcomes visitors personally.
Yes, the museum is particularly enchanting for families with children. The collection features puppets from a beloved children's television show, and the journey to the museum feels like entering a fairy-tale world with wooden gnomes guiding the forest path. However, parents should note that the location requires a hike through hilly terrain and the museum space is quite small and intimate, so it's best suited for children who can walk independently and appreciate quiet, artistic spaces.
