A wonderful museum! Although a small museum, it was just right for small children.
Designed by Nobuyaki Furuya and got a commondation from the 2000 Annual Architectural Design Commondation.
You enter into the large space which seems to be the size of the building. There are the inviting steps to the next floor. Tiny children with parents are milling around, looking on the exhibits on the floor and reading the books from the creatively located bookshelves. I recognise the stairs from the promotional photo. Up we go!
The top floor had originals from the creator of Anpanman, Takashi Yanase.
We follow the path that leads us via a corridor on the outer wall, outside on the 2nd floor, inside again through the narrowest staircase with special exhibits to the welcoming entrance hall.
Where next? We spot another door. It leads us to the basement. Aha - the children's floor. All the exhibits are children size. Small, cute, and full of anpanman, baikinman, a bakery, details of their vehicles and a large space with ALL the anpanman characters.
Miraculously we didnt have to visit the shop, as Nathan was happy with the shoplet at the restaurant.
There is a hotel within the grounds, and more buildings, a swimming pool and sculptures to explore. 1 hour and lunch there, was enough the satisfy Nathan while we got on our way.
