Discover the World of Wooden Toys
Following the opening of the Tokushima Wooden Toy Museum, the Naka Town Mountain Toy Museum became the prefecture’s second facility dedicated to wooden toys. As part of the nationwide network of museums affiliated with the Tokyo Toy Museum, it shares a philosophy of learning through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences with natural materials.
Rather than simply displaying toys, the museum invites visitors to touch, build, pretend, and experiment. Its themed play areas introduce children to traditional games, everyday activities, agriculture, and forestry in ways that make learning feel like an adventure. Parents and grandparents can join in, making it an appealing stop for multigenerational family outings.
Explore the Play Areas on the First Floor
Good Toy Play Area: Discover a selection of carefully chosen wooden toys that encourage children to experiment, explore, and play at their own pace in a welcoming environment.
Pretend Play Area: Children can enjoy make-believe games and role-playing, creating their own stories as they imitate familiar scenes from everyday life.
Wooden Tub Play Area: A large wooden tub provides a distinctive space for free play, allowing children to experience the feel and character of wood up close.
Building Blocks Play Area: A variety of blocks in different shapes invite children to construct their own creations, encouraging imagination, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Barbecue Play Area: Through pretend barbecue activities, children can explore the fun of preparing food and become familiar with aspects of Japanese food culture.
Harvest Mountain: This nature-inspired play area recreates the experience of harvesting crops, giving children a playful introduction to agriculture and the natural world.
Discover Traditional Games and Forest Life on the Second Floor
Spinning Top Play Area: Try traditional Japanese spinning tops, known as koma, and enjoy the challenge of mastering different techniques and competing to see whose top spins the longest.
Tea-Picking Play Area: Discover the world of tea through a hands-on play space inspired by the traditional practice of harvesting tea leaves.
Kendama Play Area: Test your coordination with kendama, a traditional Japanese skill toy consisting of a wooden handle and ball. The game rewards concentration, balance, and practice.
Insect-Catching Play Area: Enjoy an imaginative outdoor adventure indoors, inspired by the Japanese childhood pastime of searching for and catching insects.
Forestry Play Area: Learn about forestry through pretend activities that recreate aspects of cutting and processing timber. The exhibits offer a playful introduction to the work that supports the region’s forest-based culture.
Hanami Terrace: Step outside to this terrace and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery. It is a pleasant place to take a break and appreciate the changing seasons.
A Family Destination Rooted in Nature
The Naka Town Mountain Toy Museum is more than an indoor play space. By using cedar grown in the local area and incorporating themes drawn from forests, farming, and traditional life, it introduces visitors to the natural resources and cultural heritage of Naka Town.
Play-based learning helps children develop creativity, curiosity, and an appreciation for nature. The museum also works with the local community to offer workshops and events, creating opportunities for visitors to learn more about regional culture and the environment.
Whether you are visiting with young children, looking for an engaging activity on a rainy day, or exploring the mountain landscapes of Tokushima, the museum offers a welcoming place to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of play. It is particularly well suited to families seeking an experience that combines entertainment, learning, and the warmth of natural wood.
Opening Hours and Visitor Information
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Closed: Mondays. If Monday falls on a public holiday, the museum closes on the following day. Check the latest information before visiting, as schedules may change.
Access: Approximately 60 minutes by car from JR Tokushima Station. Although public transportation may be available, traveling by car is generally the more convenient option for reaching this mountain-area attraction.