Flames of History: Exploring Tokyo Fire Museum
The girls get behind the wheel of a fire truck!
The Tokyo Fire Museum is a hidden gem for history lovers, budget-conscious families, and especially kids! Just minutes away from the Tokyo Toy Museum, it’s the perfect spot to combine into a fun-filled day. Children can climb into a real helicopter on the roof, dress up as firefighters, explore vintage fire trucks, and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring the world of firefighting to life.
The Experience
The Fire Museum takes you on a journey through the history of firefighting in Japan, from the Taisho to the Heisei eras. Spread across multiple floors, there’s something for everyone:
Level 10: Start at the top floor with a snack or lunch in the lounge. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji!
Level 6, 5 & 4: Ride the lift down to Level 6 and make your way through the museum. Here you’ll find vintage firefighting equipment, historical documents, and even a real helicopter parked on the outdoor terrace. Kids will love climbing inside!
Level 3 (Main Kids Zone): This is the highlight for children. Interactive play includes:
Fire safety dioramas
Dress-up firefighter uniforms
Coloring stations
Fire safety quiz games
A video firefighting game
A simulation fire truck 🚒 (closes around 4:30 p.m., so head here first if arriving late!)
B1 (Vintage Fire Trucks): Finish your visit by exploring impressive fire engines from across the decades.
Expect to spend about 90 minutes in total, with most of that time happily used up on Level 3.
Logistics
Location: Tokyo Fire Museum, Shinjuku
〒160-0004 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yotsuya, 3 Chome−10−10
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily (Closed Mondays)
Restrooms: Available on most levels, family- and child-friendly.
Strollers: Strollers are asked to stay on Level 1.
Admission: Free 🎉
Target Age: Best for ages 0–6, though older kids and adults will enjoy the history.
Make a Day Out of It
Pair the Fire Museum with a morning at the Tokyo Toy Museum just down the street. Afterward, relax with a casual family dinner nearby — popular options include Saizeriya or Burger King.
Tips
Start at Level 10 for snacks and the city view.
Use the elevator down to Level 6, then walk down floor by floor.
Prioritize Level 3 if arriving later in the day (games close at 4:30).
Bring some coins for the vending machines in the lounge.
