Naramachi Karakuri

Toy Museum

Playful Wisdom

from Japan’s Past

Step into a world of wonder at the Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum, a hands-on cultural space located in a restored Meiji-period townhouse in the heart of Naramachi, Nara. Opened in 2012 by the city of Nara, this museum invites visitors of all ages to touch, play, and learn through a collection of over 600 traditional Japanese toys, including karakuri (mechanical) toys, spinning tops, daruma figures, and regional folk games.

Unlike typical museums, here you’re encouraged to interact with the exhibits. Each toy is made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, and washi paper, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of pre-modern Japan. Friendly staff are on hand to explain the origins and mechanics of the toys, making it a fun and educational experience for both children and adults.

One of the museum’s highlights is the monthly karakuri toy-making workshop, where visitors can create their own moving toys using traditional techniques. The museum also serves as a space for intergenerational exchange, bringing together locals and tourists in a shared celebration of play and creativity.

Whether you're traveling with family or exploring solo, the Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum offers a charming and nostalgic escape into Japan’s playful heritage.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Karakuri Toy Museum to life.

Traditional Japanese house with a tiled roof, wooden sliding gates, and a small stone path at the entrance, illuminated by sunlight at sunset.
Japanese restaurant entrance with wooden vertical slats and two wooden signs with Japanese characters.
Wooden toy noisemaker featuring two figures on a platform, pulling ropes connected to a drum in the middle, on a wooden table with printed instructions in the background.
A model of a small white rodent made of papier-mâché hanging on a string attached to a wooden structure with black and yellow colors, in a room with tables, papers, and wooden furniture.
Two Chinese chopsticks standing upright in a red speckled Lazy Susan with two coins on top, on a wooden table with menus and paper in the background.
A person's hand holding a miniature wooden doll with a painted face, wearing an orange and black skirt and holding a spear, displayed in a museum with other small wooden figures on tables.
A traditional Japanese room with tatami mats, a low wooden table with various papers and decorative items, sliding doors with floral patterns, and a staircase in the background leading to a second level.
Interior of a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats, a low wooden table, and sliding shoji doors. Three people are sitting on the floor, having a conversation. Decor includes a hanging scroll and a small flower arrangement, with an outdoor garde
A colorful illustration of a figure lying on a surface with their head resting on their arm, wearing a patterned black hat and a light blue robe with red and purple accents. A silver metal container with a reflection of the same illustration on it is
A small, handcrafted figure resembling a human holding a mask in front of face with intricate designs, mounted on a wooden stand, displayed on a wooden table.