A Wooden Schoolhouse Transformed into a Toy Wonderland, Play Freely in an Akita Cedar Playground
About this spot
A sister facility of the Tokyo Toy Museum, created by renovating the wooden schoolhouse of the former Ayukawa Elementary School built in the Shōwa period. The nostalgic historic building, designated as a registered tangible cultural property, is entirely transformed into a wooden playground. Each classroom features different themes—pools filled with Akita cedarwood balls, wooden rail tracks, and pretend play areas. All toys are made from local wood with a gentle touch, and there's even a dedicated play area for infants aged 0-2, so babies in the crawling stage can play safely. Adults will feel nostalgic seeing the traces of the elementary school in the hallways and window frames. Surrounded by the scent of wood, this is the highlight of your Chōkai Sanroku Line journey where parents and children can lose themselves in play.
Tips
About a 10-minute walk from Ayukawa Station on the Chōkai Sanroku Line, with dedicated parking if coming by car. Since you walk barefoot inside, it's reassuring to wear socks for both adults and children. Check the museum's opening calendar before visiting as there are closed days. Early morning visits on busy weekends are recommended to avoid crowds.
Best time to visit
2-3 hours if playing thoroughly. Late morning shortly after opening is less crowded and comfortable even for babies.
Access & map
〒015-0363 Akita Prefecture, Yurihonjo City, Chōsonmei Narusetai 65-1
Model course featuring this spot
Yurihonjo: A Journey on the Chōkai Sanroku Line and the Wooden Toys Museum
Akita
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.