Leben Exhibition Building
Discovering the Culture and Craftsmanship of the Erzgebirge
The main exhibition building, Leben, introduces the wooden toys of the Erzgebirge from a variety of perspectives. The building is divided into three exhibition rooms, each focusing on a different aspect of the region’s toy-making traditions.
Exhibition Room A
Exhibition Room A displays a wide selection of traditional wooden toys representing the Erzgebirge. One section recreates an actual traditional toy workshop, giving visitors an impression of how craftsmen carefully produced these intricate objects.
Surrounded by the natural warmth and aroma of wood, the exhibition offers a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and human touch behind each handmade toy.
Exhibition Room B
Exhibition Room B explores the history and development of wooden toy making around Seiffen in the Erzgebirge. Models, photographs, and historical materials explain how the region’s distinctive craft culture developed over time.
Traditional favorites such as nutcrackers and smoking figures are displayed throughout the room. Their charming designs and intricate details appeal to visitors of all ages, from children discovering them for the first time to adults fascinated by traditional craftsmanship.
Exhibition Room C
Exhibition Room C focuses on works by contemporary master craftsmen and also hosts several special exhibitions each year.
These works demonstrate how modern artists and craftspeople continue to develop Erzgebirge toy-making traditions while incorporating contemporary ideas, techniques, and aesthetics. The exhibition offers an opportunity to see how a centuries-old craft continues to evolve.
Ruhe Museum Café
A Relaxing Break Surrounded by Forest
After exploring the exhibitions and walking through the grounds, visitors can take a break at the museum café Ruhe, whose name means “peace” or “tranquility” in German.
Surrounded by the greenery of Karuizawa, the café offers light meals and sweets in a relaxed atmosphere. Large windows provide views of the forest, making it an inviting place to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Baum Museum Shop
Take Home a Piece of Erzgebirge Craftsmanship
The museum shop Baum offers a wide selection of traditional Erzgebirge wooden toys, including nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, and smoking figures.
Many of the products can be picked up and examined, allowing visitors to appreciate the warmth of the wood and the fine craftsmanship at close range. The shop offers an enjoyable experience for both children and adults and can bring out a sense of nostalgia and childhood wonder.
The selection also includes educational toys from across Europe and seasonal interior decorations. These carefully chosen products make memorable souvenirs and thoughtful gifts.
The shop can be entered without a museum admission ticket, so visitors are welcome to browse even if they do not enter the exhibition areas.
Blüte Forest Lifestyle Shop
Discover a Natural and Creative Way of Living
Blüte Forest Lifestyle Shop is a select shop centered on ideas for comfortable and natural living. Its selection includes lifestyle goods, clothing, handmade crafts, and other items that complement a relaxed lifestyle inspired by nature.
The shop reflects the atmosphere of Karuizawa, where people come to enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by forests and mountains. Even a short visit can reveal new ideas and interesting handmade products.
Picturebook Shop
Books, Pop-Up Stories, and Peter Rabbit™ Goods
The Picturebook Shop offers a wide range of picture books, including nostalgic foreign-language editions, pop-up books, and popular character merchandise.
Items related to the beloved Peter Rabbit™ series are particularly popular, with postcards and original goods available alongside the books.
The shop also offers limited-edition products connected with special exhibitions, making it worth visiting after exploring the museum galleries.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours and Closures
The museum is generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From December through January, opening hours are shortened to 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The entire facility is closed from mid-January through February. During other operating periods, it is generally closed on Tuesdays. However, the museum remains open throughout Golden Week and during the busy season from July through September.
Access
From Naka-Karuizawa Station on the Shinano Railway, take the local community bus for approximately 10 minutes and get off at Fukakoshi Park. The museum is about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
From Karuizawa Station, served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Shinano Railway, take the seasonal Karuizawa Museum and Sightseeing Circulation Bus. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes to the Forest of MUSE stop, located immediately beside the museum.
Nearby Attractions
Forest of MUSE is a cultural complex where several museums and attractions are surrounded by the forests of Karuizawa.
Karuizawa Picturebook Museum explores the history and artistry of picture books and includes a picturebook library, making it an especially appealing companion attraction for families.
Karuizawa Taliesin combines museums, literary facilities, a lake, gardens, and other attractions in a spacious cultural park.
Fukakoshi Park is a nature-rich recreational area with sports facilities and a botanical garden, offering another way to enjoy Karuizawa’s landscape.
Experience the Warmth of Handmade Wooden Toys
Erz Toy Museum of Karuizawa offers a fascinating introduction to the traditional wooden toy culture of Germany’s Erzgebirge. From centuries-old nutcrackers and Christmas pyramids to contemporary works by master craftsmen, the museum shows how imagination and skilled handcrafting have been passed down through generations.
Combined with its peaceful forest setting, café, shops, and nearby museums, the museum makes an enjoyable destination for families, art lovers, and anyone interested in traditional European craftsmanship. Surrounded by the fresh greenery of Karuizawa, visitors can slow down and enjoy the simple beauty and warmth of handmade wooden toys.