Fujiko F. Fujio (Doraemon) Museum in Kawasaki

We ask you, who didn’t grow up with Doraemon? This iconic, robotic cat has become part of our childhood whether or not you grew up in Japan. For most of us, Doraemon symbolizes our childhood and we can’t help but feel nostalgic whenever we see him. 

Especially in Japan, Doraemon’s birthplace, he has become such an integral part of pop culture that an entire museum in Kawasaki was built, dedicated to him and his creators, Fujiko Fujio. If you want to indulge and feel the nostalgia of your childhood or if you are just a fan of retro anime, this museum is a must-visit.

Getting to the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum is only a bus ride away! This bus is unique and not at all hard to spot. Once you see its Doraemon-themed exterior, you’re sure that you are going on the right one. After paying a fee, you are able to board and will be on your way.

Upon arriving, you will instantly realize that the Fujiko Fujio Doraemon Museum is one of the best tourist attractions in Kawasaki. When you disembark from the bus, Doraemon is the first to greet you. Just like with most attractions, the best time to visit is during weekdays. The venue is less crowded which offers you a better opportunity to take photos and really explore the area without the inconvenience of weaving through a crowd of people.

Once there, it is obligatory that you visit the café and restaurant. There is a wide selection of Doraemon-themed food (scroll down to view all the kawaii foodie pics!), and available are unique dishes like the Doraemon Dorayaki, popular because of its reference to Doraemon’s favorite food. This also goes great with a hot beverage like a coffee latte; which comes with adorable latte art!

The museum tour is quite convenient as well. Non-English speakers are provided with a carry-on English guide so that you don’t miss out on all the interesting trivia about Doraemon, as well as anime and manga history in Japan. You’ll learn wonderful tidbits such as Doraemon becoming the official mascot of Japanese Manga in the past, and how the first generation of manga artists became crucial to the spread of Japanese pop coolture all over the world. In addition, you can also learn more about Doraemon’s creators Fujiko Fujio, view more of their art and writing works.

There are a number of different rooms you can visit within the museum. Among them is a manga reading room as well as a theater room where they offer film viewings of footage that is exclusive to the Doraemon museum. There is also a rooftop playground where visitors can enjoy, play and feel child-like again!

Outside the museum, there is also a park where you can find Doraemon’s statue along with the iconic Dokedemo Door, famous from its appearances in the series. Apart from being a good place to take photos and memories, it is also just a nice place to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery of Kawasaki. The museum is surrounded with many trees that are almost forest-like and provide a mini escape from the city.

As for souvenirs, there are a lot that you can take home with you! Choose from a selection of things you’d like! You can take some photos at a Doraemon-themed purikura booth, or take your chances with various character goodies at the large, Doraemon-shaped gachapon!

You can also stop by the gift store where you can choose from an array of collectible character figurines, or maybe you’d like to take home your very own Takecopter!

All in all, the Fujiko Fujio Doraemon Musuem is a highly amusing place to visit, whether or not you are a big fan of Doraemon. It’s nice to immerse your-self in an integral part of Japanese pop culture, and also to learn something about the history of anime and manga’s influence to Japanese and world society. So don’t pass up the chance to visit!

Tickets are available through Lawson Loppi. A tutorial on how to use and make ticket purchases can be found here.

Let us know how your visit to the Doraemon Museum went! We’d love to hear about your experience!