Exciting even for adults! Motomachi, Kobe: “Time Roman, Postcard Museum, Motomachi Pavilion

In the Motomachi shopping district in Chuo-ku, Kobe, a mysterious space that seems to have opened a door into time and space unfolds. Time Roman” is a store specializing in teddy bears and dolls, and “Postcard Museum Motomachikan” has a collection of reprinted postcards from the Meiji to Showa eras, making it truly a “journey through time.

Exterior view of the store

The store, which has been in business for 25 years, moved to the Motomachi shopping district in the winter of 2024, and is conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from the west exit of JR and Hanshin Motomachi Stations, and can be accessed while strolling through the bustling shopping district. It is located right in front of Kobe Machizukuri Kaikan.

Right in front of Kobe Machizukuri Kaikan!

Each floor of the three-story facility has a different theme.

The three-story facility!

1st floor: The world of teddy bears and postcards

First floor (Teddy bears, postcards, miscellaneous accessories, etc.)

The first floor is a store space lined with postcards, miscellaneous goods, and teddy bears. Once you step into the shop, you will find yourself in a small other world filled with nostalgia and excitement.

Original works by artists

The first thing that catches the eye are the one-of-a-kind teddy bears made by the artist. The high-quality texture and warmth of mohair (a natural material) are appealing, and the price range differs depending on the size and artist. It is no wonder that each artist has his or her own fan base.

Cute dolls made overseas

Teddy bears from the prestigious German company Steiff and toy-like stuffed animals from the U.S. are also adorable, and the wide range of items in the lineup is astonishing.

Postcards from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras are on display in the postcard corner, neatly lined up on one wall. At a reasonable price of about 165 yen (tax included) per card, they make great collectors’ items or gifts.

There is also a full line of clothes for dolls to change into!

In addition to purchasing teddy bears, the store also sells dress-up clothes to make your dolls even cuter. There is a wide variety of clothing and accessories for dolls in different sizes and tastes. Finding the perfect outfit for your favorite doll is one of the most enjoyable parts of the store.

2nd floor: Enter the world of dolls

The second floor is the doll floor.

After being enchanted by the nostalgic world of the first floor, proceed to the second floor. Here, visitors can enter even more deeply into the world of dolls. A wide variety of dolls from different genres and eras are lined up, including “Ichimatsu dolls” and Western dolls, which are imbued with a Japanese sense of beauty.

Third Floor: Exhibition and Workshop Space

The top floor is a space for exhibitions, workshops, and culture classes. Various events are held regularly, so be sure to check it out.

From one-of-a-kind teddy bears by artists to cute sundries and cookie tins, “Time Roman” is easy to use. Every time you visit, you will discover something new, and it is full of charm that will make you want to revisit with your children.

Detailed Information

Location

Time Roman / DOLL & TEDDY BEAR ・ Postcard Museum Motomachi Kan
(4-6-9 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
Google Map

Hours of operation

10:00-18:30

Closed

Wednesdays

Inquiries

078-958-8655

• Official Instagram of Time Romance and Postcard Museum Motomachi Kan
• Time Romance & Postcard Museum Motomachi official website