What other travelers are saying about Kiso Toy Museum
Because oyaki is my favorite food in Nagano, I visited in winter to join an oyaki-making experience.
The workshop is held in a space that was renovated from an old elementary school science classroom.
It was very easy to make oyaki, even for beginners.
The oyaki instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and taught us a lot about Kiso’s local culture.
What you make changes depending on the season.
If you are vegan or need gluten-free options, it’s best to mention this when making your reservation.
The other school buildings are usually used as a wooden toy play area for families.
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is closed on Wednesdays, though it opens on holidays with closures the following day. Admission fees are 800 yen for adults, 600 yen for children, and free for infants, with special discounts available for town and local residents. Free parking is provided on site.
The museum stands out for several reasons. Volunteer staff called "Toy Curators," identifiable by their red aprons, are available throughout the museum to teach visitors how to play with the toys. The building itself extensively uses Kiso wood in its construction and furniture, showcasing the region's renowned timber craftsmanship. Additionally, the museum offers cultural experiences beyond toys, including cooking classes for local dishes like soba noodles and traditional craftwork activities.
The museum includes Museum Café Shiki, which serves meals, and a shop where visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs. The Activities Hall offers various experiences including soba noodle making, miso preparation, and other traditional Kiso Valley activities. A new woodworking workshop is being developed alongside the museum to promote woodworking skills and produce toys using domestic timber.
The Kiso Toy Museum is part of a "sister toy museums" network coordinated by the Tokyo Toy Museum, working with local governments and private organizations across Japan. Each museum in this network showcases the unique nature and culture of its region through toys and play experiences. The Kiso museum specifically highlights the beauty of the Kiso Valley, its timber heritage, and local cultural traditions while serving as a community hub for regional revitalization.
I loved this place. I wish we had longer to spend here on our trip through kiso. There were beautiful wooden toys in a scenic setting and a lot of patient helpers to show the toys. The gift shop also had fabulous items.
We had so much fun with our 6 year-old here! The seniors who work/volunteer here are lovely and seem genuinely happy to be there, demonstrating how certain toys work and keeping the place spotless. The nostalgic toys and being around charming grandpas and grandmas gave me a warm fuzzy feeling
Wonderful museum with cafe, gift store and wonderful staff teaching hands on classes for soba, mochi, hinoki wood toy, chopstick, cherry wood spoon. Some activities require three day arrangement via website but very worth it for a unique and lovely experience.
