📸 Totoro Dreams Come True at Nasu Teddy Bear Museum
Instagram-Worthy Spots, Exclusive Ghibli Goods & Easy Access from Tokyo!
Looking for a unique and magical experience in Japan?
If you’re visiting Nasu Highland in Tochigi Prefecture, don’t miss the charming Nasu Teddy Bear Museum—especially its beloved “My Neighbor Totoro” corner!
It’s a hidden gem where you can take photos with giant Totoro plushies, ride the Catbus, and shop for Ghibli merchandise you can’t find anywhere else.
🧸 What is the Nasu Teddy Bear Museum?
Since opening in 1999, the Nasu Teddy Bear Museum has been home to vintage teddy bears, rare collectibles, and artist-designed bears from around the world.
Its wooden, cottage-style architecture and seasonal flower gardens add to its peaceful, storybook charm.
But the real surprise?
The second floor is dedicated to a life-sized recreation of “My Neighbor Totoro”, featuring photo ops and immersive displays for Ghibli fans of all ages!
📍 Museum Information (as of July 2025)
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Name: Nasu Teddy Bear Museum
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Address: 1185-4 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Tochigi Prefecture
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Phone: 0287-76-1711
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Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
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Closed: 2nd Tue of Feb/Mar/Jun/Dec (if Tue is a holiday, closed the next day)
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Admission:
Adults: ¥1,500 / Students: ¥1,000 / Children: ¥800 / Kids under 6 & Seniors 75+: Free -
Parking: Free (approx. 150 spaces)
🚅 How to Get There from Tokyo
🚗 By Car:
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From Tokyo to Nasu IC via Tohoku Expressway: about 2.5 hours
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From Nasu IC to the museum: 10 minutes
🚄 By Train & Bus:
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Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nasu-Shiobara Station (about 75 mins)
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From the station, take a bus or taxi (about 30 mins)
🚌 Alternatively, use the Nasu Highland Loop Bus to reach the museum directly.
🚌 By Highway Bus:
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Buses run from Shinjuku (Busta Shinjuku) to the Nasu area in approx. 3.5 hours
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Affordable option with round-trip and one-day passes available
✨ Highlights of the Totoro Exhibition
🐾 Giant Totoro Plush – A Must-Snap Photo Spot
At the entrance stands a giant Totoro over 3 meters tall!
And best of all—it’s free to visit, even without a museum ticket.
It’s the perfect place to snap an unforgettable photo for Instagram or your travel blog.
🚌 Ride the Real-Life Catbus!
Yes, the fluffy Catbus from the film is right here—and you can actually climb inside and sit down.
This immersive experience is popular with both children and adults, and your photos will make everyone online jealous!
🎞️ Dioramas Recreate Iconic Scenes
From the bus stop on a rainy night to Satsuki and Mei’s house, famous scenes are recreated with intricate detail.
The hand-crafted dolls and sets are beautiful and a little nostalgic, perfect for photography lovers and Ghibli superfans alike.
🎁 Exclusive Ghibli Merchandise – Only in Nasu!
Don’t leave without visiting the gift shop, where you’ll find Nasu-exclusive Ghibli items:
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Plushies of Totoro, Catbus, and Jiji (the black cat)
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Original postcards, pins, and accessories
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Teddy Bear x Ghibli collaboration goods you won’t find anywhere else!
It’s a treasure trove for Ghibli fans—and perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
☕ Bonus: Relax at the Teddy’s Garden Cafe
The museum also has a peaceful on-site café and garden where you can unwind with sweets and drinks after exploring.
Surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect spot to take a break and post your photos online!
🌱 Final Thoughts: A Ghibli Experience You’ll Never Forget
The Nasu Teddy Bear Museum offers:
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📸 Stunning photo spots with Totoro & Catbus
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🎞️ Immersive Ghibli dioramas
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🎁 Limited-edition Totoro merchandise
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🚄 Easy access from Tokyo by car, train, or bus
Whether you’re a die-hard Ghibli fan or just looking for a charming escape from the city, this spot has everything you need for a magical and Instagrammable adventure.
So pack your camera and head to Nasu—you never know what forest spirits you might meet 🐾🍃
