Christmas Around the World Winter Exhibition 2026

Dates & time: November 1, 2026 (Sun) - January 24, 2027 (Sun) 10:00–17:00. Closed Wednesdays (open if a public holiday) and Dec 28–Jan 3
Price & booking: Admission: adults ¥800 / high school and university students ¥500 / children (age 4+) ¥300 No reservation needed to view the exhibition. Workshops require advance registration (about 15 and 20 places); the lecture is first come, first served (30 people)
Venue & access: Japan Toy Museum, Building 6 About 15 min on foot from Koro Station (JR Bantan Line). By car, about 5 min west of Funatsu IC on the Bantan Toll Road (free parking for about 30 cars)

Calendar

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Why You Should Visit

The Japan Toy Museum in Himeji's Kodera area holds a Christmas exhibition every winter. This year's edition, "Christmas Around the World," brings together about 1,100 ornaments, dolls and toys from 55 countries, arranged into eight regions: Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia and Oceania. Highlights include an Italian presepio nativity set, a Swedish straw Yule goat and a Mexican tree-of-life candlestick, showing how materials and forms change from place to place. There is also a corner on Christmas decorations in Japan. In December, curators lead gallery talks and the museum runs straw-craft workshops.

Programs

Timetable & Map

NOTE

Exhibition layout

A Germany corner within Central Europe (nutcrackers, smoking men, candle pyramids and more)
Christmas in Japan: a Taisho-era Santa Claus illustration, 1945–1965 tree decorations (wood-shaving garlands, glass baubles) and more

Featured pieces

Presepio nativity figures (Italy)
Betlém nativity made of corn husks (Czech Republic)
Straw Yule goat (Sweden)
Birch-bark tree ornaments (Finland)
Tree-of-life candlestick from Metepec (Mexico, shown in the Lamp House)

*Museum admission is required for the workshops, lecture and reading

*Enquiries: Japan Toy Museum 079-232-4388

Culture Art Illumination Winter Rainy Day Family

出典: 日本玩具博物館公式サイト（冬の特別展「世界クリスマス紀行」）

Kobe · Gluten-free

All Christmas markets in Kobe & Kansai →

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FAQ

Is the museum closed on any days?

It is closed on Wednesdays (open if a Wednesday is a public holiday) and over the New Year, from December 28 to January 3.

Can I drive there?

Yes. There is free parking for about 30 cars in front of the museum, about 5 minutes from Funatsu IC. By train, it is about a 15-minute walk from Koro Station on the JR Bantan Line.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The displays include Santa Claus and nativity figures from around the world, and children aged 4 and up pay ¥300. A picture book reading is held on December 20.