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Toei Animation Museum: A Free Anime Pilgrimage on the Edge of Tokyo
Tokyo

Toei Animation Museum: A Free Anime Pilgrimage on the Edge of Tokyo

Many people know the Ghibli Museum, and many people also know how difficult its tickets are. But about 30 minutes from Ikebukuro, there is another anime museum that few visitors from overseas seem to know. It stands inside a working animation studio, it is full of photo spots, and admission is completely free.

This is the Toei Animation Museum in Oizumi, Nerima.

Why This Place Matters

Toei Animation is the place where the Japanese anime industry began. The studio was founded in 1956, and in 1958 it created Japan’s first full-color feature-length animated film, The White Snake Enchantress (Hakujaden), here in Oizumi. The studio has stayed in this town ever since. Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, One Piece, Digimon, Precure — all of them were born at this studio, and new episodes are still being made on this very site today.

The museum uses one corner of the studio grounds. It is a mini museum, and 30 minutes to one hour is enough for a visit. But if you grew up with these works, I believe you will enjoy it far more than its size suggests.

The Photo Spots

The fun begins before you even enter. At the entrance, a life-size Devilman sits on a red steel beam under the museum sign, arms crossed, looking down at the visitors. It is one of my favorite photo spots in Tokyo — quiet, but very cool.

In the courtyard garden, please look around carefully:

Saiyan space pod from Dragon Ball resting in the museum garden

A Saiyan space pod from Dragon Ball rests on a pile of broken rock, just as it should.

The grinning pink poop from Dr. Slump hiding in the bushes

And hiding in the bushes, you will find the smiling pink poop from Dr. Slump. It is a small joke for longtime fans — and somehow, it has become the most photographed resident of the garden.

Inside the Museum

Cardboard cutout lineup of dozens of Precure characters

Inside, the main hall welcomes you with an impressive lineup of every Precure character, standing all together. More than twenty years of magical girls fit into a single photograph. There are also exhibits that follow 70 years of Toei Animation history, and a special exhibition gallery that changes several times a year.

Photo spot where you get caught in Butt Detective's signature attack, next to Goku and Piccolo

Please do not miss the photo spots, either. You can even be caught in Butt Detective’s famous attack, while Goku and Piccolo watch from the side.

The museum shop sells official goods, and many of them can be found only here. For anime fans, it may be a little dangerous for the wallet.

Bonus: The Anime Gate

On your way from Oizumi-gakuen Station, please look for the Oizumi Anime Gate near the north exit. This neighborhood proudly calls itself the birthplace of Japanese animation, and the walk to the museum feels like a small pilgrimage of its own.

Where to Eat

There is no restaurant inside — it is a mini museum, after all. For lunch, the most convenient choice is Jojoen, a well-known high-quality yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant on the first floor of the commercial building just across the street. You will also find many restaurants around Oizumi-gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.

Practical Info

  • Name: Toei Animation Museum (東映アニメーションミュージアム)
  • Address: 2-10-5 Higashi-Oizumi, Nerima, Tokyo 178-8567
  • Admission: Free
  • Hours: 11:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30)
  • Closed: Every Wednesday + irregular days — please check the opening calendar on the official site
  • Visit time: 30–60 minutes
  • Reservations: Not needed for individuals (groups of 7+ must book ahead)
  • Parking: None — please use public transport

Getting there:

  • Train: Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro to Oizumi-gakuen Station (about 20 minutes), then a 15-minute walk from the north exit.
  • Bus: From Oizumi-gakuen Station north exit, bus stop #1 (bound for Wakoshi Station South Exit or Nagakubo), get off at Toei Studios Front (東映撮影所前) — about 5 minutes.

Who Is This For?

Anime fans, of course — but also families with children (free admission is always welcome), travelers who could not get Ghibli tickets, and anyone curious to see where this world-famous industry actually started. It will not fill a whole day, but together with a walk around the neighborhood, it makes a lovely half-day trip away from the usual tourist route.

Note: Hours, exhibits, and access details may change. Please check the official site (museum.toei-anim.co.jp) before visiting.