Himeji Kodera Toy Museum

This weekend I had the lovely opportunity to visit the Himeji Toy museum near my school in Kodera.

We were taken there by some friends, however it is easily accessed by train and a short walk.
If you leave from Himeji Main Station and take the Bantan Line (usually track 1 or 2) toward Teramai it is 230 yen from Himeji to Koro station. When you exit at the station there is a map just above the walk way to the toy museum for reference. Otherwise it is about a ten minute or so walk (or if you go the wrong way like I did it will take a little longer).

The museum is around 6 small houses filled with traditional toys from around the world and especially from Japan. There is also a small workshop you can take part in where you learn about the shell game called Kai-awasei (http://guide-japan.seesaa.net/article/137579704.html).  WE painted our own shells and played a quick game with some local kiddos, who were far better at it then the adults and FAST! Needless to say children show no mercy.

After taking some time to create a beautiful shell set and playing a round of Kai-awasei I would highly recommend milling about the museums houses and seeing the toys from anywhere and everywhere. I was especially confused by the chicken with actual breast I saw in the gift shop.

In one of the main houses you can take your time and regress into youth a little by playing with some traditional Japanese toys and maybe even buying one or two in the tiny shop.

This museum is fairly low cost at around 500 yen for the museum fee and 300 yen for the shell painting. Luckily we had a friend who got a small discount for us. :) its not really much to start out with but its a great day trip price.

As for things to do after the museum, Kodera is no relatively built up, though you can find small shops for something to eat or a cup of joe before you hop back on the train into town. As for the train a fair warning. Its a local line and the train times are not too frequent, at times only once an hour. Be sure to check the times before you head out and back.  If you find yourself waiting at the station do yourself a favor and walk just across the street to the small bakery and grab a snack. If you come early enough in the day it has many delicious breads and sandwiches to choose from and a nice counter to relax at so you don't have to eat at the station.

Oh and if you are in the cache hunting mood ....there is one there! Helen found it hidden away near the museum. Happy hunting if you do.

Matt and John having WAY too much fun playing with trains. 

A little shell painting to relax. I must say their shells looked WAY better than mine. Maybe shell painting isnt my thing....

Chicken breast anyone...? No idea why this was in the toy museum gift shop, but its Japan...so its normal.