Shirakaba Teddy Bear Museum - Image 1
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Shirakaba Teddy Bear Museum

4
·600 reviews·Tateshina, Japan

Discover a world of over 11,000 teddy bears, each telling a story in unique country and culture-themed exhibits.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Shirakaba Teddy Bear Museum - Image 1

Shirakaba Teddy Bear Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a world of over 11,000 teddy bears, each telling a story in unique country and culture-themed exhibits.

4
(600 reviews)

"A delightful place with an amazing amount of teddy bears, great for kids and photo ops!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bring your camera! There are plenty of cute bears and themed displays perfect for photos. Some areas even have lighting stands.

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Budget at least 1-2 hours to explore the vast collection and participate in activities. Don't rush your visit!

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4 · 600 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Collection

The Grand Collection

Main Exhibition Halls

Marvel at over 11,000 teddy bears, each uniquely displayed in themed settings representing different countries and cultures.

Reddit
Country-Themed Exhibits

Country-Themed Exhibits

Various Themed Rooms

Explore teddy bears dressed in traditional attire and set in dioramas reflecting global cultures, from the UN to Egypt.

Reddit
Gutty's Scavenger Hunt

Gutty's Scavenger Hunt

Throughout the Museum

Join a fun scavenger hunt to find the museum's mascot, Gutty, in various outfits. A great way to keep kids entertained!

Reddit
DIY Teddy Bear Workshop

DIY Teddy Bear Workshop

Activity Area

Create your own personalized teddy bear to take home. An extra charge applies, but it's a memorable souvenir.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Budgeting Your Visit

Admission is 1,400 JPY per adult. Consider the cost of making your own teddy bear if you plan to participate in that activity. Budget at least 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and any activities. Reddit

Navigating the Museum

While exhibits are bilingual, some activities are only in Japanese. Staff have minimal English. Grab an English/Chinese brochure upon arrival for easier navigation. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (1-2 hours before closing)
Why
Catch the exhibits before closing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bring your camera! There are plenty of cute bears and themed displays perfect for photos. Some areas even have lighting stands. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Budget at least 1-2 hours to explore the vast collection and participate in activities. Don't rush your visit! Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Brochure

Pick up an English/Chinese brochure for exhibit information, as staff have limited English proficiency. Reddit

🧸 Make Your Own Bear

Consider the DIY teddy bear activity for a unique, personalized souvenir. It's an extra charge but worth it for many. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bring your camera! There are plenty of cute bears and themed displays perfect for photos. Some areas even have lighting stands. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Budget at least 1-2 hours to explore the vast collection and participate in activities. Don't rush your visit! Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Brochure

Pick up an English/Chinese brochure for exhibit information, as staff have limited English proficiency. Reddit

🧸 Make Your Own Bear

Consider the DIY teddy bear activity for a unique, personalized souvenir. It's an extra charge but worth it for many. Reddit

🎯 Hunt for Gutty!

Engage in the scavenger hunt to find Gutty. It's a fun way to interact with the exhibits, especially for kids. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(600 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Shirakaba Teddy Bear Museum charming and visually appealing, especially for its vast collection of over 11,000 teddy bears displayed in creative, country-themed settings. While some find it a bit pricey and note language barriers with staff, the interactive elements like the scavenger hunt and DIY bear-making are popular, making it a fun outing for families and teddy bear enthusiasts.

"1,400¥ per adult. It has about 11,000 teddy bears to look at. After entering, you can also make your own teddy bear with a charge. I think it is great for kids.

On the right side, you can do shopping and it has a rest space.

Hunt game is there and if you find it all, you will get a small museum batch.

The teddy’s are divided into countries in different settings.

Photos and videos are easily available and in one point, there is light stand as well.

It is a great place and fun ti explore."

Mamata Maya

"If you like teddy bears (cute), this is the place to be! Budget at least 1 hour for the museum, I went 1 hour before closing and finished the museum right on time. Also, be prepared to take many photos, all of the 11,000 bears in the museum are cute!

The exhibits are themed based on countries and cultures (e.g. UN, Egypt, Swiss).

There is a scavenger hunt where you have to find their mascot (Gutty) wearing different outfits. It's a pretty easy hunt but it would keep children entertained.

For non-Japanese speakers: the counter staff speaks very minimal English, there's an English/Chinese language brochure. Exhibits are bilingual (English + Japanese). However, the activities are only in Japanese."

Syed Abdullah

"Great for the little one. Bring your little kids and they'll have fun. It's a bit far though"

Maarten Mutsaers

What People Like

Vast teddy bear collection
Country-themed exhibits
Fun scavenger hunt

What People Dislike

Admission price
Limited English staff

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is noted as being a bit far, so plan your transportation accordingly. Public transport options might require transfers. It's advisable to check local transit schedules or consider a taxi/ride-share for convenience. Reddit

Information on parking availability is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date parking information.

Specific station or bus stop details are not provided. Given it's described as 'a bit far,' research local transit routes to the Tateshina area, where the museum is located, to identify the closest stops.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is 1,400 JPY per adult. Prices for children or other age groups are not specified but it's considered great for kids. Reddit

Information on advance ticket purchases is not available in the provided content. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival, but checking the museum's official website for online booking options is advisable.

No specific discount information is mentioned in the reviews. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking the museum's official website for any potential group rates or special offers.

The museum's opening hours are not explicitly stated, but one reviewer mentioned visiting '1 hour before closing' and finishing right on time, suggesting it's open for a significant portion of the day. It's best to confirm current hours on their official website.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire over 11,000 teddy bears displayed in country and culture-themed settings, participate in a scavenger hunt to find the mascot Gutty, and even make your own teddy bear for an additional fee. Reddit

Yes, it's considered great for kids and families. The scavenger hunt and the option to make a teddy bear are particularly engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

Yes, photos and videos are easily available. Some points even have light stands to help with photography. Reddit

Yes, there is a gift shop on the right side of the museum where you can purchase souvenirs. One reviewer humorously noted that the gift shop offers a similar experience to the museum itself. Reddit

Besides the scavenger hunt and the DIY teddy bear making, there's a dress-up corner where you can wear a bear suit, which is described as a lot of fun. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The reviews mention a 'rest space' on the right side, which might include light refreshments or seating. However, specific dining facilities or a full restaurant are not detailed. It's advisable to check the museum's official information for dining options.

Information regarding outside food and drinks is not provided. It's a common practice in many museums to restrict outside food and beverages in exhibition areas. Check the museum's policies.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed. The museum is designed to be visually appealing, with many photo opportunities. Reddit

The entire museum offers photo opportunities with its themed exhibits. Some areas even have dedicated light stands to enhance your pictures. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to avoid flash photography in museums to protect exhibits. Check for any posted signs or inquire with staff if unsure.

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