The most special part of the Izu Teddy Bear Museum is the My Neighbor Totoro-themed exhibit on the second floor, officially licensed by Studio Ghibli. It recreates many classic scenes from the movie. I originally came for the Catbus. The Ghibli Museum also has a Catbus, but only kids can go inside. Here, even adults can sit in it and take photos, which is awesome!
Near the exit, there’s also a whole row of “Teddy Bear Shrine” displays. From the torii gate and worship hall to the shrine maiden teddy bears, everything is really well done. It’s a fun mix of foreign teddy bear culture and Japanese shrine elements.
The first floor mainly introduces the history of teddy bears and displays collections from around the world. The highlight is the “Teddy Bear Train.” The scene inside the train car feels a bit like the banquet in Titanic, just set on a train. At certain times, the bears even dance together. When I visited, it happened to be Girls’ Day, so they also had a teddy bear version of a traditional hina doll display.
The museum isn’t huge, but everything from the indoor exhibits to the outdoor decorations is put together with a lot of care. The ticket price is a little on the high side, but overall, it’s still well worth visiting.
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Izu Teddy Bear Museum
Hands-on workshops for making teddy bears and Totoro plush toys are a big hit.
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A museum showcasing teddy bears collected from around the world. Meet rare and adorable bears, including “Teddy Girl,” listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive teddy bear. Popular highlights include the Teddy Bear Factory, where you can make a one-of-a-kind plush, and the long-running special exhibition “My Neighbor Totoro Plush Exhibition Part 3.”
On display year-round are “Teddy Girl,” created in 1904 by Germany’s Steiff, along with antique bears essential to teddy bear history and artist bears by creators from around the world. You’ll also see teddy bears made of ceramics, plus wind-up and moving toys.
After enjoying the exhibits, join a workshop to hand-make a teddy bear or a My Neighbor Totoro plush. It takes Approx. 60 minutes to create your own (advance reservation required, 6,380 yen per person). The museum shop also sells original teddy bear goods you can only find here.
Highlights
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Displays rare teddy bears collected from around the world.
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Don’t miss “Teddy Girl,” featured in the Guinness Book of Records.
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Hands-on plush-making workshops are especially popular.
Photos
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A showcase of rare teddy bears
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In the workshop, you can hand-make a teddy bear or Totoro plush (advance reservation required)
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The museum shop sells plush toys and original goods
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A museum themed around the “home of teddy bears”
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There’s also a tearoom on-site
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Enjoy a relaxing cafe break at the tearoom
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
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English is available.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
No.
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Is re-entry allowed?
A
No.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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The museum has a bit of a vintage vibe and a lot of character. It doesn’t feel overly commercial.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 伊豆テディベア・ミュージアム
- Postal Code
- 413-0232
- Address
- 1064-2 Yawatano, Ito City, Shizuoka
- Phone
- 0557-54-5001
- Closed on
- Second Tuesday in Feb, Mar, Jun, and Dec (open if it falls on a national holiday)
- Hours
- 9:30am - 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm)
- Admission
- Adults: 1,500 yen, Junior/Senior high school students: 1,000 yen, Elementary school students: 800 yen, Free for children under elementary school age, Free for ages 75+
- Access
- Approx. 9-minute walk from Izu Kyuko “Izu-Kogen” Station
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official website (Japanese)
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