【Collection】I went to "Sekai no Chofu-do" to get the irresistible "Matchbox Museum" for mineral enthusiasts! It was super fun when I got there

I went to "Sekai no Chofu-do," a 5-minute walk from Chofu Station on the Keio Line in Tokyo, to get the "Matchbox Museum," which contains real minerals, fossils, and gemstones in a small box the size of a matchbox.

I went to "World Chofu-do" in search of the "Matchbox Museum"

Inside a small box the size of a matchbox, there are real minerals, fossils, and gems like those found in a museum, all packed into the "Matchbox Museum." It is said that there are about 130 different types inside, but it's a delightful little box where you can enjoy the surprise of what’s inside until you open it. Due to its popularity and scarcity, I headed to "World Chofu-do" located in Chofu City, Tokyo, to ensure I could get one. It is situated in the Tenjin Street shopping district, where characters from "GeGeGe no Kitaro" greet you at various spots.

By the way, MNH, the company that operates "World Chofu-do," is a socially conscious company that contributes to job creation at local welfare workshops and employment in the community. I went inside to see what items were lined up.

I was immediately knocked out by the high obsession level of the "Specimen Ring"

The moment I walked in, my eyes were drawn to the specimen ring of the Matchbox Museum. I was momentarily confused, wondering if it was a "specimen?" or a "ring?" but this is a ring (finger ring) made using real minerals. It’s a ring that makes you want to collect it like a specimen.

The ring is a free size of approximately 8 to 13. It can be adjusted at your fingertips, so it seems like you could enjoy it on any finger. The author is definitely going to get hooked. Various minerals like rose quartz, clear quartz, tiger's eye, turquoise, and lapis lazuli are saying, "I have one too" and "How about this one?" and I end up wanting them all.

Out of those, the one I chose is this!

Tiger's eye (280 yen). It has beautiful golden-brown lines, which is lovely. I'm happy that I can get it at this price.

There were also sample earrings!

On the back of the package, there is a description of the "power stone meanings." Tiger's eye is associated with "courage, insight, and wealth." I want all of those: courage, insight, and wealth! Let's keep it up, tiger's eye!

According to the shop assistant, some people specifically look for stones associated with "wealth." It seems there are various ways to enjoy this.

At the back of the store, there are the characters "Tsuyahime"!

As I went further in, there was a POP display that said the famous rice brand "Tsuyahime."

Why rice?

I thought, and it turned out they were selling "Brown Rice Decaf" made from various brands including Tsuyahime. I was curious, so I purchased the Brown Rice Decaf of the brand "Nikomaru."

When I tried it later, it was very fragrant and delicious decaf. It goes well with soy milk!

There was also a snack called "Tokyo no Hito," shaped like a person and made with 100% domestically produced rice, and a zombie-shaped snack called "Zombie Snack," among other snacks with excellent naming and planning sense.

There is also "Memento Bonbon," which can make original ramune.

On the opposite wall, there is a colorful corner. In fact, everything here is ramune! Cute illustrations are printed on non-allergen ramune, about the size of a 500 yen coin. It seems to be manufactured in a "community factory" that supports employment for young people.

Apparently, they also offer a semi-order service where you can have the name of a group printed on 2 out of 8 pieces. Since you can make them from 36 pieces, they seem great as gifts for events and anniversaries.

Finally, I discovered the "Matchbox Museum."

The "Matchbox Museum" was located deep inside the store. Inside, there was randomly one type of mineral, fossil, meteorite, or gem, and until you opened it, you wouldn't know what was inside. Such a small box is exciting, isn't it!

While I was "hoping for an ammonite!" (though I couldn't actually see inside), I chose one and purchased it. As soon as I opened it...

It was a fossilized shark tooth (from Morocco). I was completely surprised because I thought it would come with something that looked like "a stone."

Along with the fossil, there was also a certificate included. By scanning the QR code and entering the number written before the name, you can get a detailed explanation. This is great! It's the best that you can still enjoy it after making a purchase.

By the way, this shark tooth fossil seems to be from the Cenozoic Era, Paleogene. That's amazing... And this tooth has a sharp tip, which would hurt if it were to stab you. So, for now, I'll name it "Morotooth" (temporary name) since it's a sharp tooth born in Morocco. Welcome to Chofu in 2026 since ancient times.

But, hmm... I still want an ammonite!

I tried spinning a gacha that has rare items in it

so I also challenged the gacha that supposedly gathers rare "Matchbox Museum" items. This one is said to contain one of 18 types of minerals and fossils, but the ammonite is a "super rare" item, even more so among rare items. It's a bit pricier than the "Matchbox Museum" in the store (500 yen), but I really want the ammonite!

So I decided to give it a try.

Huh? It's kind of round.

It says "Ayanoshishi" (妖石). The name sounds scary, but is it okay? Feeling anxious, I checked the QR code on the certificate.

Apparently, this is a new type of rock found in Michigan, USA, in 2017. It's commonly called "Yooperlite," and when exposed to ultraviolet light, it turns a bright orange color. That's why it seems they call it "Ayanoshishi" at the Matchbox Museum.

Even so, minerals and fossils are fascinating. While feeling the ancient times, I learned a way to enjoy the present. I feel like I've found a way to refresh myself.

At "World's Chofu-do," it seems like interesting things can be discovered every time you go. The store itself is fun, so if you're curious, why not visit?

World's Chofu-do
Address: 1-34-1 Fuda, Chofu City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed on: Tuesdays

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