The Shimanami Wooden Toy Museum will open on March 20, 2026 (Friday, national holiday) at AEON MALL Imabari Shintoshi. This multi-generational exchange facility is operated under comprehensive supervision by the Certified NPO Arts and Play Creation Association (operators of Tokyo Toy Museum), in collaboration with Imabari City's wood education and child-rearing support initiatives including the Wood Start Declaration. Established by AEON MALL Co., Ltd. at AEON MALL Imabari Shintoshi, and managed by FC Imabari / Imabari Yume Sports Co., Ltd., the museum aims to promote wood education through toys and play, creating a community hub where multiple generations—from babies to elderly—naturally gather and interact.
- Official Website: https://shimanami-wooden-toy-museum.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shimanami.w.toymuseum/
Online ticket sales begin February 20, 2026 (Friday) at 10:00 AM via the museum's official website and the children's outing information site "Iko-yo."
Advance reservation tickets are prioritized. As crowding is expected on opening day, we recommend purchasing online tickets in advance.
About Toy Museums
What is a Toy Museum?
There are 14 toy museums nationwide, emphasizing "multi-generational exchange" where everyone from babies to elderly can play and learn together while experiencing the warmth of wood.
The Shimanami Wooden Toy Museum, the 15th facility nationwide, inherits this philosophy while reflecting regional resources and characteristics. Toy curators (ambassadors of "toys" and "play" who convey excitement and wonder to visitors) will guide play activities and introduce the charms of Imabari's nature and culture.
Over 140 participants from diverse age groups (teens to 80s) have already joined the toy curator training course ahead of the March 2026 opening, demonstrating expanding community networks.
Philosophy and Features of Toy Museums
A Citizen-Founded Museum
A "citizen-founded" museum supported by monetary donations through the "One-Seat Director System" and time donations by volunteer staff called "toy curators."
A Museum for Family Play
Good Toys and toy curators support parent-child communication, fostering empathy, trust, and sensitivity.
A Museum Transmitting Culture
A museum that passes traditional Japanese colors, wood culture, and traditional play to the next generation.
A Museum Connecting Generations
A museum connecting generations by providing spaces where multiple generations, from 0 to 100 years old, can naturally interact.
Highlights of Shimanami Wooden Toy Museum
Surrounded by the gentle fragrance of wood, families can spend relaxing time in the Baby Wood Education Space, while island-hopping activities and harvest play areas featuring Imabari's specialty citrus fruits provide experiences of the Shimanami Kaido islands and Imabari culture.
Entrance
A space filled with the warmth of wood welcomes all visitors. The adventure of wonder and excitement begins here.
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Good Toy Exhibition Room
An area featuring "Good Toys"—toys selected annually by specialists including toy consultants to promote quality toys. Visitors can play with award-winning toys from past years.
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Shimanami Great Bridge and Sea
The facility recreates the Shimanami Kaido islands and Imabari's maritime culture indoors. From the bridge, visitors can overlook the Shimanami scenery and enter Imabari's rural villages, citrus orchards, and Kikuma tile townscapes.
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View from the Cycle Road
The foreground features an island for cycling play, a dock for shipbuilding and launching ceremonies, and a Kikuma tile building block stage. In the background, terraced citrus orchards offer harvest play experiences.
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Kikuma Tile Toy Alley
An area with shops offering pretend play experiences. Look forward to discovering what shops will line this alley! Traditional play activities like spinning tops and kendama are also available.
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Pretend Farm
The popular harvest play area found at toy museums nationwide. At the Shimanami Wooden Toy Museum, terraced citrus orchards take center stage. Harvested citrus can be sorted by size using a fruit sorting machine.
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Baby Wood Education Space
Exclusively for children aged 0-2 and their guardians, this wood education space filled with wooden warmth allows families to enjoy quality time together in a gentle, aromatic environment.
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Soccer Stadium
A special room, the first of its kind among toy museums nationwide!
An area for soccer-related toy play activities including table soccer. FC Imabari players might even drop by!
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Toy Workshop (Workshop Room)
Visitors can enjoy hands-on crafting experiences using electric saws and other woodworking tools. In collaboration with Imabari City and local organizations, the museum will plan workshops accessible to many participants.
Facility Overview - Shimanami Wooden Toy Museum
Facility Name: Shimanami Wooden Toy Museum
Opening Date: March 20, 2026 (Friday, national holiday)
Area: 782.5 m² (236.70 tsubo)
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Third Wednesday of every month (open on national holidays with make-up closure on following day), year-end/New Year holidays
Admission Fees
| Category | Age | Walk-in | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | Under 6 months | Free | Free |
| Children (6 months - elementary) | ¥1,100 | ¥1,000 | |
| Adults (junior high and above) | ¥1,300 | ¥1,200 | |
| Disability certificate holders (self) | Free | Free | |
| Imabari Residents | Under 6 months | Free | Free |
| Children (6 months - elementary) | ¥750 | ¥750 | |
| Adults (junior high and above) | ¥950 | ¥950 | |
| Disability certificate holders (self) | Free | Free |
Weekday re-entry permitted; weekend/holiday re-entry not permitted (except restroom use)
Children (elementary and under) cannot enter unaccompanied. Adult accompaniment required.
Passport (Weekday Half-Year)
| Age | Passport Price |
|---|---|
| Children (6 months - elementary) | ¥2,900 |
| Adults (junior high and above) | ¥3,900 |
Group Admission Information
| Age | General | Imabari Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 months | Free | Free |
| Children (6 months - elementary) | ¥800 | ¥700 |
| Adults (junior high and above) | ¥960 | ¥900 |
| Disability certificate holders (self) | Free | Free |
Available for groups of 20 or more.
For details, please inquire via the "Application" form on the museum's website.
- Imabari resident adults must present ID proving city residence (driver's license, student ID, health insurance card, etc.) at the facility reception.
- Admission is free for disability certificate holders only.
Please present physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, or mental health and welfare certificate at reception.
Access
Location: 1-1 Nigiwai Hiroba, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, AEON MALL Imabari Shintoshi 1F
https://imabarishintoshi-aeonmall.com/floorguide/#target/page_no=1By Car: Approximately 4 minutes from Shimanami Kaido Imabari IC
*For details, visit AEON MALL Imabari Shintoshi's website:
https://imabarishintoshi-aeonmall.com/static/detail/accessBy Public Transportation: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Imabari Station
*For details, visit AEON MALL Imabari Shintoshi's website:
https://imabarishintoshi-aeonmall.com/static/detail/access-bus
