The Japan Toy Museum is a private museum located in a scenic rural setting about 10 kilometers northeast of Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Housed in six traditional warehouse-style buildings, the museum boasts an impressive collection of approximately 90,000 items related to toys from Japan and over 160 countries and regions worldwide. Founded in 1963 by Shigeyoshi Inoue, the museum began with a passion for preserving cultural heritage for children, which led to the extensive collection of traditional and contemporary toys, dolls, and intricate chirimen crafts.

The museum offers permanent exhibitions as well as seasonal special exhibitions that showcase various facets of toy culture. Visitors can engage in hands-on workshops for toy-making, enhancing their understanding of the cultural significance of toys. With ongoing research and collection efforts, the Japan Toy Museum stands as a significant cultural institution dedicated to educating the public about the rich heritage of toys and dolls from Japan and beyond.