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Museums

Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum

4.3 · 5,567 reviews
Nostalgic and eclectic
Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum, 2145 Kaminoda, Yoshioka, Kitagunma District, Gunma 370-3606, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The museum complex is built using restored traditional Japanese wooden structures relocated to the site.

2

The collection includes a significant number of rare 'Teddy Bear' exhibits, often displayed alongside classic cars.

3

Many of the vintage vehicles are kept in running condition and are occasionally rotated out of the gallery.

4

The 'Showa Street' section uses authentic period signage and decor salvaged from demolished neighborhood shops.

5

The museum hosts one of the largest private collections of Kewpie dolls in the Kanto region.

Overview

The Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum is a large-scale private collection housed in a sprawling facility in Gunma Prefecture. The museum specializes in cultural artifacts from the Showa era, primarily spanning the 1920s to the 1980s. Its primary exhibition halls feature thousands of vintage toys, antique dolls, and classic automobiles. A dedicated area recreates a traditional Japanese streetscape from the mid-20th century, complete with vintage storefronts. The vehicle collection emphasizes rare domestic Japanese sports cars and classic micro-cars. Visitors walk through interconnected buildings that transition from doll-themed galleries to high-octane automotive showrooms. The complex incorporates themed cafes and gift shops styled after historic Japanese pop culture icons. It is one of Japan's most expansive private collections of its type, covering several thousand square meters. The facility is fully operational and open to the public as of June 2026.

Photo spot

The neon-lit 'Showa Street' recreated indoor shopping arcade.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable slip-on shoes, as you may be asked to remove footwear for certain indoor gallery sections.

Allocate extra time for the outdoor areas if visiting during the spring or autumn months.

Prioritize the car galleries first, as they are often more crowded than the doll exhibits.

What to avoid

Rushing through the main gallery halls, as the most detailed displays are tucked into side rooms.

Good to know

Open daily throughout the year; check for rare closures during extreme weather events in the mountainous Gunma region.

Etiquette

Do not touch the vintage vehicles or display items; photography is generally permitted, but avoid using flash near delicate fabrics or antique doll displays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, to avoid crowds from weekend tour buses; autumn is preferred for the surrounding foliage.
Address
Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum, 2145 Kaminoda, Yoshioka, Kitagunma District, Gunma 370-3606, Japan
36.464, 138.969
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsShowa-era classic cars, vintage teddy bear collection, and a recreated mid-century Japanese street.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, to avoid crowds from weekend tour buses; autumn is preferred for the surrounding foliage..

The neon-lit 'Showa Street' recreated indoor shopping arcade.

Close by you'll find Mizusawadera Temple (Mizusawa Kannon), Museum of Life and Sexuality, Shintō Furusato Park.