Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Edo Village in Gifu
Teddy bears are universally recognised as adorable stuffed toys, but how big of a collection is too big? Visit Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Eco Village, a teddy bear-themed museum that’s housed in a historic farmhouse to find out.
1,000 plushies housed in this teddy bear-themed museum
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
Located on the outskirts of Takayama City, Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Eco Village is a museum which houses an impressive collection of 1,000 fluffy teddy bears. The museum is housed in a 180-year-old traditional Japanese farmhouse called a gassho-zukuri, and contains teddy bears from all over the world.Â
Unlike typical museums where visitors are prohibited from touching the artworks, these bears are not just for display. In fact, guests are encouraged to pick up the bear for some much-needed cuddles.
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
The museum is not only meant to exhibit the immense adorableness of the teddy bears, but also to educate visitors on the history of teddy bears. Learn interesting tidbits, such as the origins of its name, which is believed to be named after Theodore Roosevelt – former president of the United States – who was affectionately known as Teddy.
Teddy bears in various set-ups
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
The bears are set up in order to mimic various human-like situations, complete with costumes so you can find pirate bears, baker bears, fisher-bears and more.
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
There are also some Disney-inspired teddy bears, such as a Beauty and the Beast couple, looking absolutely adorable in their costumes.Â
As the museum is also big on being eco-friendly, you’d be able to spot some bears specially placed in environment-related set-ups, so as to create awareness regarding environmental issues.
Dine with teddy bears at their cafe
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
There is also a cafe in the museum called Little Bear Cafe, where visitors can find teddy bears in a dining set up. The bears are arranged in various positions, and appear to be just as much diners as any of the visitors are. Some of them even look like they’re having their own little gatherings.Â
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
While most seats are reserved for humans, you’ll see some occupied by fluffy bears, chilling with a cup of tea. Be sure to not disturb them, just like you would with any other cafe patron.
Image credit: @teddy_bear_eco_village via Instagram
Image credit: @raicoto12510 via Instagram
The cafe also features adorable teddy bear-themed snacks and desserts, ranging from sweet treats like parfaits to hearty meals like curry rice. A set meal, which includes a main dish and a side dish, costs Â¥980-Â¥1,000 (~USD7.20-USD7.35). On the other hand, desserts and drinks cost Â¥300 (~USD2.20) onwards. Â
Getting to Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Eco Village
Image credit: Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Eco Village
Young or old, happy or sad, a walk through this teddy bear museum is sure to brighten your spirits. If you’d like a piece of the museum to take one with you, there are teddy bears on sale in-store and on their website.Â
The teddy bear-themed museum is accessible from JR Takayama Station. From the station, locate the Takayama Nohi Bus Centre, which is just a 4-minute walk away. Board the Sarubobo Bus that’s headed for Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato), and alight at the Hida no Sato Shita stop. A one-way ride costs ¥100 (~USD0.73) and takes around 10 minutes.
Admission: ¥600 (~USD4.41) for adults, ¥500 (~USD3.68) for high school students, and ¥400 (~USD2.94) for middle and elementary school students, free for children aged 5 and below
Address: 3 Chome-829-4 Nishinoisshikimachi, Takayama, 506-0031 Gifu
Opening hours: Mon-Tue & Thu-Fri 11am-5pm (Last admission at 4pm) (Closed on Wednesdays) | Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 10am-5pm (Last admission at 4pm)
Contact: 577-37-2525
For more places to visit in Gifu, check out our Gifu Prefecture guide. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Suganuma Village are also worth a visit if you’re in the area. Alternatively, check out these quirky museums in Japan, or traditional Japanese towns.
Cover image adapted from: @raicoto12510, @teddy_bear_eco_village, @teddy_bear_eco_village