Fukazawa Tiny Museum

The Fukasawa Tiny Museum is a private art museum nestled in the mountainous greenery of Akiruno City, Tokyo, dedicated to preserving the whimsical world of sculptor Akimitsu Tomonaga. This enchanting museum houses an extraordinary collection of wooden carvings and puppets that captivated Japanese television audiences in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The museum's cultural significance stems from its connection to the beloved NHK puppet show "Purin Purin Monogatari" (The Tale of Purinpurin), which aired from 1979 to 1982. The collection features approximately 100 original puppets designed and crafted by Tomonaga for the show, including the famous Zizi Forest Fairies - gnome-like characters that became iconic figures in Japanese children's entertainment. Beyond the television puppets, visitors can explore around 50 handmade works including wooden carvings, woodblock prints, and artistic lamps, all created by the master craftsman.

The museum experience begins before you even arrive, as dozens of wooden gnome sculptures guide visitors along the forest path to the antique building. The journey through this fairy-tale setting includes beautiful koi ponds and lush gardens that create an atmosphere reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films. Inside the intimate museum space, guests can examine Tomonaga's intricate craftsmanship up close, while the adjacent traditional café offers tea and coffee service where visitors often meet the artist's wife, who warmly welcomes guests and shares stories about the collection.

The museum is located at 492 Fukasawa, Akiruno-shi, Tokyo 190-0172 and operates seasonally from April 1 to November 30. Access requires planning, as no direct public transportation serves the location. Visitors can take the JR Chuo Line to Musashi Itsukaichi Station, then travel by taxi for approximately 10 minutes up the mountainous terrain. The final approach involves a short hike along hilly paths marked by the charming gnome guides. Those driving should note that the museum sits in a remote forested area with limited parking availability.