Warabekan is a museum in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, dedicated to Japanese children’s songs, nursery rhymes, and toys. Housed in a charming retro-style building that incorporates the former Tottori Prefectural Library, constructed in 1930, the museum has a nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back to an earlier era.
This cultural facility brings together two main attractions: the Tottori Children’s Songs Museum, which traces the development of songs for children through different periods, and the Tottori World Toy Museum, which displays approximately 2,000 toys from Japan and around the world. Through music, historical displays, and interactive exhibits, Warabekan offers an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages, whether they are traveling with children or looking to rediscover the toys and melodies of their own childhood.
One of the museum’s highlights is its extensive collection of approximately 2,000 toys, including traditional tin toys and small playthings once commonly sold at neighborhood candy shops in Japan. These objects offer a glimpse into everyday childhood across different generations, revealing how toys, games, and children’s entertainment have changed over time.
The collection appeals to both children discovering unfamiliar toys and adults who may recognize objects from their own childhood. The displays provide a nostalgic look at Japanese popular culture and the simple pleasures of play in earlier decades.
The Children’s Song Room invites visitors to listen to Japanese nursery rhymes and children’s songs in settings inspired by different historical periods. The atmosphere helps bring the music to life, allowing visitors to experience the melodies in a way that connects sound with memories and scenes from everyday life.
For Japanese visitors, familiar songs may evoke memories of childhood, school, or family life. International visitors can also gain insight into Japan’s musical heritage and the role that children’s songs have played in its culture. The exhibits offer a gentle, nostalgic experience that complements the museum’s collection of toys.
Warabekan is more than a place to look at exhibits. Interactive areas allow visitors to touch and play with selected items, while a simple toy-making workshop provides opportunities to enjoy hands-on activities. These spaces are particularly appealing to families, giving children a chance to learn through play while adults can join in and share the experience.
By combining music, historical objects, and creative activities, the museum creates an engaging environment where generations can enjoy discovering how children have played and learned throughout the years.
Warabekan offers a refreshing change of pace from Tottori’s outdoor attractions, such as the famous Tottori Sand Dunes and the scenic Uradome Coast. Its combination of nostalgic architecture, Japanese children’s songs, and toys from different eras makes it a welcoming destination for families, culture enthusiasts, and travelers interested in everyday Japanese life.
Whether you want to explore vintage toys, discover the history of Japanese nursery rhymes, or enjoy a playful activity with your family, Warabekan provides a memorable glimpse into the world of childhood across generations.