Nestled within a beautiful garden, the brick-built “Izu Teddy Bear Museum” is a storybook world where antique bears from across the globe warmly welcome you the moment you step inside. In addition to historical exhibits such as the world-renowned “Teddy Girl,” which earned a place in the Guinness World Records, the museum currently hosts the “My Neighbor Totoro Stuffed Toy Exhibition.” Here, visitors can experience the charm of plush toys that transcend generations and borders.
The most special experience at this museum is the “Stuffed Toy Workshop,” where you can create your very own plush companion from scratch. This program, held at the onsite “Teddy Bear Factory,” begins with choosing your travel partner from a selection of teddy bears or Totoro characters. This process goes far beyond simply stuffing cotton; you can reflect your personal touch in every detail—from placing a “heart” inside to define its personality and inserting a chip filled with your wishes, to dressing it in clothes of your choice and engraving names or anniversaries.
After a process of approximately 60 minutes, the finished plush toy is weighed and measured, and an official “Birth Certificate” and “Passport” are issued. Creating a “one-of-a-kind friend in the world” through this life-giving process is a profound experience, different from simply buying a souvenir, and is sure to become an “Unseen” memory found only in Izu. Whether as a gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself, please add this warm, handmade experience to a page of your travel story.
