What other travelers are saying about Fukazawa Tiny Museum
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
This museum was so interesting and out of the ordinary. The lady running the place was absolutely lovely, she really made it special. There's so much history with the puppets and the bonhommes (little figurines).
There's not much info in English so it's helpful if you have a mobile with data and G-translate. But even if you don't, you can still appreciate the place for how amazing it is. The garden, house, ponds and abundance of koi fish all add to how magical of an experience it is.
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.
What an absolutely charming little place!
Saw a review online so we thought we'd take a look, and so very glad we did!
We rented e-bikes from near the station which made the trip to the museum much easier.
The museum is whimsical and beautiful, from the structure of the house to all of the fantastic museum pieces! The puppets were so wonderfully crafted. It made me wish I had grown up watching the shows they were from. We also sat for tea and watched the koi. The wife is incredibly sweet and we felt nothing but love the whole time we were there.
Definitely worth seeing!
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.
