Arima Toys and Automata Museum — Attraction in Kobe

The Arima Toys and Automata Museum, nestled in the charming town of Arima Onsen, offers a delightful escape into a world of wooden toys and automata. As a fan of traditional toys, I couldn't resist exploring this hidden gem during my recent visit to Japan.

Upon entering the museum, I was immediately captivated by the nostalgic ambiance that permeates every corner. The collection of wooden toys on display is extensive and impressive, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of past centuries. From handmade dolls to intricate puzzles, each piece tells a unique story and represents a slice of history.

The museum has done an excellent job of curating exhibits that showcase the evolution of toys over time. I particularly enjoyed the sections dedicated to traditional Japanese toys, which shed light on the cultural significance and symbolism behind these charming creations. It was fascinating to see how these toys have evolved and remained beloved through generations.

One highlight of my visit was witnessing the mesmerizing automata displays. These whimsical mechanical toys come to life with intricate movements, adding a touch of magic to the museum experience. Watching the dancing figurines, graceful music boxes, and cleverly designed automata was truly enchanting and brought out the childlike...

Very wonderful! If you're interested in machine (manual or auto), don't miss the transportation and classic robot Iron Man 28 on 3rd floor, and the clockwork/gear toys on 4th floor. They have train show to demonstrate the classic types and they way train system works. Children from 2 to 5 might like the blocks on 5th floor; for older children, there are a lot of board games. The burger restaurant on 2nd floor uses local food. As a restaurant in a museum, it's budgeted and yummy. The set with fries and drink is recommended. The fries is very fresh and elegant; the price of the drink is the same as in a shop outside. We, a family with a 5-y-o and a 6-y-o kids, spent almost one day over there. Kids gave up the chance to visit Osaka Zoo because they'd like to stay...

I was very pleasantly surprised by this museum! The amount of toys, machines, and exhibitions on display was far beyond my expectation. There are interactive play areas for kids, and lots of interesting toys from all around the world that are fascinating to adults as well. There are shows/demonstrations almost every hour, and even though they’re in Japanese, they’re quite enjoyable to watch! The collection of toys dating back decades was very impressive and nostalgic, and I wish I had spent more time here! I went during Christmastime, where there was a nutcracker exhibition as well. Definitely recommend stopping by this place if you are...