To observe the many different types of Japanese doll I headed to the Yokohama Doll Museum, a museum featuring a large collection of traditional dolls as well as toys.
In contrast to many other countries where dolls are designed mostly as playthings, for centuries Japanese dolls were created as art pieces. An example are the dolls used in homes to celebrate Hina Matsuri, a girls holiday that falls on March 3rd. Dolls like these are made with great skill and are passed on from one generation to another. They really are full of grace and beauty. Traditional dolls will also represent samurai, heroes of famous folk legends, beautiful maiko, kabuki actors and children.
The northern regions of Japan are represented via a large collection of kokeshi dolls that are quite popular there. Japanese traditional dolls are made of wood, paper, silk, ceramics and a composite material made from clay and wood dust. Kimono and other outfits are made with fine details and accuracy just like the real ones.
The art of the doll is one of the many important cultural traditions of Japan and well worth exploring here at the Yokohama Doll Museum.
Getting there
Take the Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station for a 3-minute walk from Exit 4. Alternatively, take the JR Negishi Line to Ishikawacho Station for a 13-minute walk.
https://en.japantravel.com/miyagi/a-trip-to-naruko/59328