
Izu Teddy Bear Museum
A charming museum filled with antique teddy bears and a delightful Totoro exhibition, offering a unique souvenir-making workshop.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Izu Teddy Bear Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming museum filled with antique teddy bears and a delightful Totoro exhibition, offering a unique souvenir-making workshop.
"The Izu Teddy Bear Museum is un-bear-ably adorable, a must-visit for teddy bear and Ghibli fans!"

🎯 Book Workshop in Advance
Workshops are popular! Book online ahead of time to secure your spot.
🎟️ Discount with Mount Omuro
Show your Mount Omuro chairlift ticket for a small entry discount.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Totoro Exhibition
Second Floor
A dedicated space featuring Totoro and other Ghibli characters, perfect for photo opportunities.

Teddy Bear Workshop
Workshop Area
Create your own custom teddy bear or Totoro plushie to take home as a unique souvenir.

Historical Teddy Bear Collection
First Floor
Explore a fascinating collection of antique teddy bears, including rare pieces with their own histories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Workshop Spot Early
Combine with Mount Omuro
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Workshop in Advance
Workshops are popular! Book online ahead of time to secure your spot.
🎟️ Discount with Mount Omuro
Show your Mount Omuro chairlift ticket for a small entry discount.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
Capture memories with cute displays and the Totoro exhibit.
🍰 Bakery Treats
Don't miss the on-site bakery for unique cookies and sweets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Workshop in Advance
Workshops are popular! Book online ahead of time to secure your spot.
🎟️ Discount with Mount Omuro
Show your Mount Omuro chairlift ticket for a small entry discount.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
Capture memories with cute displays and the Totoro exhibit.
🍰 Bakery Treats
Don't miss the on-site bakery for unique cookies and sweets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Izu Teddy Bear Museum for its overwhelming cuteness and charm, with the Totoro exhibition and the historical teddy bear displays being major highlights. The teddy bear making workshop is a popular, albeit often booked-up, activity. While some find it a bit small, most agree it's a delightful and worthwhile visit for those who appreciate all things cute and nostalgic.
"The museum is so cute, it has a good mix of actual history on teddy bears and then unique/cute ones. Some amazing displays as well and a build a bear style workshop. There is also a really good selection of Ghibli items and scenes. Plenty of photo opportunities and they have a great bakery with some really cool cookies and sweets. Unfortunately I didn’t get to their tea room in enough time to try anything but the menu looks good."
baslaura
"Cutest museum ever! The place was super cute and cozy, the teddy bears were surprisingly interesting and the Totoro exposition was perfect, they had a workshop where you can make your own teddy bear but you have to check the times before! I missed the workshop by 5 min 😭, but either way the expo was super fun to look at!"
Daniela Cervera
"a must go if you are into cute toys. it is cute that many people love teddy bears enough to make a museum for it. you get to see teddy bear exhibitions + a whole section for totoro. entry is 200yen cheaper if you present your mount omuro chairlift ticket to the cashier. there’s also a teddy bear making workshop but unfortunately i didn’t participate. there’s also a souvenir shop with various cartoon characters and a baked goods shop. i spent around 30-45 minutes here in total. a small museum but still very interesting and cute!"
goo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Izu Teddy Bear Museum is located in Ito City, Shizuoka. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the JR Ito Line to Ito Station. From Ito Station, you can take a bus or a taxi to the museum. Some visitors find that using navigation apps like Navitime or Google Maps might suggest taxis for quicker access to the Ito area attractions.
Getting around the Ito area can be a bit challenging compared to major cities. While public transport is available, some travelers find that taxis or private cars are recommended for reaching specific attractions like the zoo or museum efficiently, especially if aiming for early arrival times.
While possible, a day trip to the Izu Teddy Bear Museum from Tokyo would be a long day due to travel time. It's often recommended to combine it with other attractions in the Izu Peninsula for a more relaxed experience.
The museum is typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
Yes, there is parking available at the Izu Teddy Bear Museum, which is convenient if you are traveling by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are approximately ¥1,500 for adults, ¥1,000 for junior high and senior high school students, and ¥800 for elementary school students. Children under elementary school age and those 75 and older are often free.
Yes, you can typically buy tickets on the day of your visit. However, for the popular workshops, advance booking is strongly advised.
Yes, presenting your Mount Omuro chairlift ticket at the cashier can grant you a small discount on your museum admission.
It is highly recommended to book the teddy bear and Totoro making workshops in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out. Some visitors have gotten lucky with last-minute cancellations, but it's not something to rely on.
The stuffed toy workshop, where you can create your own teddy bear or Totoro, typically costs around ¥6,380. This price usually includes the materials and the workshop experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Exhibits
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, especially in the Totoro exhibition where many visitors take photos. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage indicating no-photo zones.
The museum features a diverse collection, including antique teddy bears with historical significance, rare bears from around the world, and unique modern creations.
Absolutely! The Totoro exhibition on the second floor is a highlight for Ghibli fans, featuring various displays and photo opportunities related to the beloved character.
The stuffed toy workshop typically lasts about 60 minutes. It's a hands-on experience where you can personalize your creation.
While Totoro is a major focus, the museum also features other Ghibli characters and items, making it a delightful experience for any Studio Ghibli enthusiast.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a bakery that offers a selection of unique cookies and sweets. Some visitors also mention a tea room, though one reviewer missed the chance to try it due to timing.
The bakery is known for its creative and cute baked goods, including teddy bear-themed cookies and other sweet treats.
While the bakery offers snacks and sweets, it's unclear if a full lunch menu is available. It's best to check with the museum directly or plan for lunch at a nearby restaurant if you're looking for a substantial meal.
Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan is not readily available. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum's dining facilities if you have dietary restrictions.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into museums is discouraged. It's best to consume any personal food items outside the museum premises or in designated areas if available.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with Mount Omuro for a full day of family fun in the Izu area. The on-site bakery also offers cute treats that kids will love. The museum is generally accessible and offers a delightful, whimsical experience that appeals to all ages.
💖 Couples and Ghibli Fans
Participating in the teddy bear making workshop together can be a fun and collaborative activity, resulting in a personalized keepsake of your trip. The museum's cozy atmosphere and cute displays create a romantic and lighthearted ambiance. Don't forget to explore the souvenir shop for unique Ghibli-themed items.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visitors can also document the process of creating their own teddy bear or Totoro in the workshop, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look. The overall atmosphere of the museum is very photogenic, with charming displays and a generally bright and welcoming environment. Be sure to check for any specific photography restrictions, though most areas are generally welcoming to cameras.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Teddy Bear Making
While the workshop instructions are primarily in Japanese, many visitors find them easy to follow with visual cues and the help of friendly staff or fellow attendees. The duration is typically around 60 minutes, making it a perfect activity to slot into your itinerary. The cost for this experience is around ¥6,380, which is a reasonable price for a custom-made keepsake.
This workshop is a fantastic way to engage with the museum's theme on a deeper level and create a tangible memory of your visit. It's a testament to the enduring charm of teddy bears and beloved characters like Totoro, offering a creative outlet for all ages.
A Journey Through Teddy Bear History
One of the notable pieces is a Steiff bear from 1904, offering a glimpse into the early days of teddy bear manufacturing. This historical perspective adds a layer of depth to the museum, appealing not just to children but also to adults interested in toy history and nostalgia. The displays are thoughtfully curated, making the learning experience engaging and enjoyable.
The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting the history of teddy bears makes it more than just a collection of stuffed animals; it's a cultural archive celebrating a timeless toy that has brought joy to generations.
The Allure of Totoro and Ghibli
This section is a prime spot for photography, with numerous opportunities to capture memorable moments with Totoro and friends. The presence of Ghibli-themed items extends beyond just Totoro, making it a delightful surprise for fans of the animation studio. The museum cleverly integrates these popular characters, drawing in a wider audience and adding another layer of appeal.
The Totoro exhibition is a testament to the enduring popularity of Ghibli's creations and how they resonate with people of all ages. It provides a fun, interactive element that complements the historical teddy bear displays, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable visit for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit