Chokaisan Wooden Toy Museum (鳥海山 木のおもちゃ館)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is a sister museum of the Tokyo Toy Museum, created by renovating the wooden building of the former Ayukawa Elementary School, built during the Showa era. The nostalgic school building, registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property, has been turned entirely into a wooden playground, with each former classroom offering a different themed play area, from a pool filled with Akita cedar balls to wooden rail sets and pretend-play corners. The toys, all made from local timber, have a gentle feel to the touch, and there is also a baby area for ages 0 to 2, so even crawling infants can play safely. The traces of the old elementary school remaining in the hallways and window frames stir a sense of nostalgia in adults too. Wrapped in the scent of wood, parents and children alike can lose themselves in play, making this the highlight of a trip along the Chokai-Sanroku Line.

Tips

About 10 minutes on foot from Ayukawa Station on the Chokai-Sanroku Line; there is dedicated parking if you come by car. Visitors take off their shoes inside the museum, so socks are reassuring for both adults and children. The museum has closing days, so check the opening calendar before visiting. On crowded holidays, it's best to arrive right when the museum opens.

Best time to visit

About 2 to 3 hours if you want to play thoroughly. Mornings right after opening are less crowded, allowing even families with babies to relax

Access & map

〒015-0363 秋田県由利本荘市町村鳴瀬台６５−１