Discover the Roots of Toy Story: Hotels Near Yokohama’s Tin Toy Museum from Toy Story 2 | bnb+ Yokohama Motomachi

※This article has been multilingualized via automatic translation based on the Japanese text
English (English)/Chinese (中文（简体））/Korean (한국어）/Thai (แบบไทย）

Since its release in March 1996, Disney & Pixar’s beloved “Toy Story” series has never lost its popularity.
Just recently, it was announced that the latest installment, Toy Story 5, will premiere in the U.S. in June 2026!

Speaking of “Toy Story,” the Toy Story Hotel, which opened in Shanghai Disneyland in 2016, made headlines again when Tokyo Disney Resort® introduced its own version in April 2022✨

Did you know that a Japanese museum appears in the “Toy Story” series?
In Toy Story 2, Woody is supposed to visit the “Konishi Toy Museum.” You may wonder, why Japan in such a hit series?

It’s said that the roots of this hugely popular series trace back to the “Tin Toy Museum,” just a walk away from Yokohama’s Chinatown.
Director John Lasseter visited the Tin Toy Museum before making Toy Story and reportedly said, “I felt as if the toys were alive, and that’s when the idea for the film came to me.” How amazing to think this Disney blockbuster was inspired by a Japanese museum!✨

What Is the Tin Toy Museum?

The Tin Toy Museum in Yamate, Yokohama, showcases roughly 3,000 tin toys collected over many years by world-renowned tin toy collector Teruhisa Kitahara.
These tin toys, made between the 1890s and 1960s, brim with nostalgic warmth.
Especially noteworthy are the retro robots and car toys reminiscent of those in the Toy Story films! Inside the museum, you’ll find charming spaces that feel like stepping into the movie world.
It’s a delight for both children and adults looking to recapture the joy of childhood.

What’s Nearby the Tin Toy Museum?

About a 10‑minute walk from the Tin Toy Museum lies one of Japan’s largest Chinatowns, Yokohama Chinatown.
Here you can savor authentic Chinese dishes like xiao long bao, yakisoba, and yum cha as you stroll from one eatery to another.
Nearby, the Motomachi Shopping Street offers plenty of shopping opportunities. After exploring the museum, enjoy a meal and some shopping in Chinatown—it’s a perfect day out!

Recommended Hotels Near the Tin Toy Museum

Just a 3‑minute walk from Motomachi‑Chukagai Station, you’ll find bnb+ Yokohama Motomachi!
Located close to Motomachi Shopping Street, it’s within walking distance of both the museum and Chinatown.
While dormitory‑style beds may raise some security concerns, you can find plans under ¥4,000—stylish, clean, and comfortable at a budget price.
Book your stay here!

Summary

Today we introduced the Tin Toy Museum, said to be the roots of the Toy Story films, and a nearby hotel, bnb+ Yokohama Motomachi.
Immerse yourself in the world of Toy Story at the museum, then enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine in Yokohama Chinatown before resting at bnb+ Yokohama Motomachi—what could be a more perfect plan?
Whether you’re a Toy Story fan or simply love retro toys, be sure to visit the Tin Toy Museum on your next trip to Yokohama and relive your childhood magic!