Step Back into Japan’s Showa Era
One of the museum’s defining themes is the nostalgic world of the Showa era (1926–1989). Visitors can explore recreated streetscapes from the 1950s and 1960s, see vintage tin toys and old-fashioned dolls, and experience the atmosphere of everyday Japan from several decades ago.
The museum is divided into 13 themed areas, each offering a different collection and atmosphere. From toys and dolls to classic automobiles, movies, professional wrestling, and wine, the wide variety means that visitors can easily spend several hours exploring the exhibits.
Toy and Doll Museum
Dolls and Nostalgic Toys from Around the World
The Toy and Doll Museum is one of the central attractions. Its collection includes vintage Japanese tin toys from the Showa era, traditional Japanese dolls, and unusual dolls from countries around the world.
The dolls come from more than 100 countries, creating a fascinating international collection. Historical pieces such as Fukumatsu dolls, associated with the Edo period, also provide a glimpse into the long history of Japanese doll culture.
For many Japanese visitors, the exhibits bring back memories of toys they played with as children. International visitors, meanwhile, can discover how toys and dolls have reflected different cultures and periods throughout history.
Showa Retro Park – Dagashiya Yokocho
A Recreated Street from Old Japan
Showa Retro Park – Dagashiya Yokocho recreates the atmosphere of a Japanese town during the Showa era.
The street features old-fashioned dagashiya candy shops and traditional storefronts surrounded by nostalgic signs, vintage posters, and retro-style buildings. The scenery feels almost like a movie set.
For children, the area offers a glimpse into a very different Japan, while older visitors may find themselves transported back to the atmosphere of their childhood.
Teddy Bear Museum
More Than 2,000 Teddy Bears from Around the World
The Teddy Bear Museum displays more than 2,000 teddy bears collected from around the world.
The collection includes antique teddy bears more than 100 years old, as well as bears created by famous designers. The variety of styles and personalities makes this a charming area and a popular place for photographs.
Automobile Museum
Classic Cars and Legendary Japanese Vehicles
Car enthusiasts will want to spend time in the Automobile Museum, where approximately 95 vehicles are displayed, with a particular focus on Japanese classic cars.
The collection includes historic automobiles and sports cars that represent different periods of Japanese automotive history. One particularly famous example is the rare 1967 Toyota 2000GT.
These vehicles provide an opportunity to appreciate not only the engineering of their era but also the distinctive designs that have made classic Japanese cars popular with collectors around the world.
Mini Museum
The Mini Museum features 27 compact cars, including classic Minis manufactured by Britain’s BMC.
The small cars have distinctive and charming designs, making this collection appealing not only to automobile enthusiasts but also to visitors who simply enjoy vintage vehicles.
Movie and Popular Culture Exhibits
Always: Sunset on Third Street
The museum recreates the atmosphere of the popular Japanese film “ALWAYS: Sunset on Third Street”, which depicts Tokyo during the Showa era.
Vehicles and sets associated with the movie are displayed, including the recreation of the Suzuki Auto shop. Fans of the film can enjoy seeing familiar elements of its nostalgic world brought to life.
Showa Star Roman Museum
The Showa Star Roman Museum explores Japan’s idol and entertainment culture, particularly during the 1980s.
The collection includes approximately 800 record jackets and 200 posters featuring Japanese idols and entertainers of the period. It offers an interesting look at the music and popular culture of 1980s Japan.
The World of Initial D
Fujiwara Tofu Shop
Fans of the popular manga and anime series Initial D can visit a recreation of the famous Fujiwara Tofu Shop.
The building was created using a relocated real tofu shop from Shibukawa City that was associated with the live-action film adaptation. The museum also recreates the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86, the iconic “Hachiroku” driven by protagonist Takumi Fujiwara.
The exterior has been carefully recreated to evoke the world of the series, making it a popular photo spot for fans.
Military Zone
The Military Zone features full-scale recreations of tanks associated with World War II, including the American M4 Sherman and German Tiger tanks.
The large-scale displays are impressive and provide visitors with an opportunity to see the distinctive forms of historic military vehicles at close range.
Professional Wrestling Museum
The Professional Wrestling Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Japanese professional wrestling, particularly the famous wrestlers of the Showa era.
Among the exhibits are a gown associated with the original Tiger Mask, wrestling shoes worn by Giant Baba, and a championship cup associated with Rikidōzan.
The collection offers a glimpse into the colorful history of professional wrestling in Japan and the personalities who helped make the sport popular.
Other Highlights
Cinema World
Cinema World is an area set among the trees where approximately 120 movie posters are displayed. Visitors can explore posters representing famous films from different periods of cinema history.
Route 66 Garden
The Route 66 Garden takes inspiration from the famous American highway crossing the United States. The landscape evokes the atmosphere of a small American town and adds an international flavor to the museum.
World Wine & Beer
The World Wine & Beer collection introduces alcoholic beverages from different parts of the world, including well-known examples from countries such as France and Italy. It provides an overview of international drinking culture through its collection.
Chocolate Factory
The museum also has a chocolate workshop where freshly made chocolate can be enjoyed, adding a sweet treat to the museum experience.
Ghost House
For visitors looking for something more thrilling, the museum also features a ghost house attraction. This newer addition offers a fun dose of suspense alongside the museum’s many nostalgic exhibits.
A Museum for the Whole Family
Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum brings together nostalgia, history, automobiles, entertainment, and international collections in one large facility.
Families can explore vintage toys and recreated Showa streets, automobile enthusiasts can admire classic cars, movie and manga fans can discover familiar sets and vehicles, and collectors can enjoy the museum’s extensive collections of dolls, teddy bears, and memorabilia.
The museum is also a convenient sightseeing stop when visiting Ikaho Onsen. Whether traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, visitors can find different exhibits and activities to enjoy.
Why Visit Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum?
Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum is a distinctive attraction where visitors can experience many different sides of Japanese popular culture in one place.
From the nostalgic streets of the Showa era and toys of past generations to international teddy bears, classic automobiles, movies, manga, professional wrestling, and other collections, the museum offers an unusually broad range of exhibits.
Its location near Ikaho Onsen also makes it easy to combine with a traditional hot spring trip. A visit here provides a chance to discover the memories, fashions, technology, and popular culture of different eras while enjoying an entertaining day in Gunma.