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Tottori's Warabekan

A variety of toys to enjoy, both old and new

My first visit to Tottori Prefecture was several years back. I was enthusiastic to see the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Sand Dunes Museum, but we had a fairly empty schedule in the afternoon. We chanced upon a wonderful toy museum - the Warabekan - near the place we stopped at for lunch, and it's still one of the most enjoyable museum experiences I've had in Japan.

The museum was opened back in 1995 and spans three floors. The first floor is dedicated to children's songs and nursery rhymes, and the second and third floors are packed with toys, toys, and more toys. It's interesting seeing the evolution of toys that children have played with over the years, from simple pieces like spinning tops through to more modern inspired pieces - you'll even see things like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and retro game boys on display! Whilst some of the toys are behind glass cabinets, there are a host of them that guests can play with.

If you're an international visitor, bring your passport with you when you stop by. They offer a 50% admission discount on presentation of a foreign passport, meaning that instead of the usual 500 yen adult admission fee you'll only pay 250 yen.

Getting there

Via Public Transportation:

Tottori's Warabekan is located approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Tottori Station, which is served by the San'in Main Line.

Alternatively, you can take the green city bus from the station for 100 yen to reach the museum - it's approximately a 5 minute ride and there is a dedicated stop for the Warabekan. Buses depart approximately every 20 minutes.

Via Private Vehicle:

Parking is available at the venue, but if it's full you can find a municipal lot 200 meters away. If you bring the ticket in with you, the museum staff will validate your parking.

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Kim Author 3 years ago
Lots of cool stuff there!
Elizabeth S 3 years ago
You can play with some of them? I bet that's really nostalgic and fun to introduce your kids to childhood playthings you no longer have.
Sander van Werkhoven 3 years ago
Tottori city itself wasn't on the itinerary for my cancelled trip this spring, but this seems like a good reason to change that whenever travel is possible again. I love museums like these!
Kim Author 3 years ago
I have such fond memories from the places I've visited here. It was one of those places where I didn't know what to expect - other than the sand dunes - but it was a real surprise packet for me. I highly recommend both Tottori and neighboring Shimane to people...two of my favorite spots!
Elena Lisina 3 years ago
I used to have big doll collection displayed in the museum, so nostalgic...
Kim Author 3 years ago
Wow, that's very cool! I really like displays of dolls and toys, some of them feel like a real step back in time.

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