Japan Kokeshi Museum

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum

3.5

The origin of kokeshi wooden dolls is said to have been in Naruko towards the end of the Edo period (1804–1830) when they were made as hot spring souvenirs by woodworkers who carved bowls and trays and this is said to be the oldest production area for these dolls. The museum opened in 1975. It exhibits kokeshi offered up for the National Kokeshi Festival, presents the procedure for making the dolls, demonstrates the spinning lathe and has a wholesale shop that sells the highest number of kokeshi dolls in Naruko. It is around six minutes by car from JR Naruko Onsen Station.

Spot details

Address: Miyagi Pref. Osakishi Narukonsen Shitomae 74-2 Map
Area: Northern Area
Phone: 0229833600
Hours: 8:30-17:00
[Dec.]9:00-16:00
Closed: open everyday
[Winter Closed Period]1/1-3/31
Fees: [Admission fee]Adults400yen, Medium, High school students160yen, Elementary school students120yen
Parking Lot: Available
Credit Card: Available(VISA, JCB)
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available
Note: *Hours of operation may be shortened due to infectious disease conditions. Please check the website (http://www.kokesikan.com) at that time.
Average budget: [Lunch] 1,001-3,000yen
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Review

Optional unless you love kokeshi

Reviewed : 2022.12.06

Was hoping to see more of kokeshi doll in this museum, however, all the descriptions are in Japanese. Overall, the museum looks dated. It was cold inside the museum and only 3 rooms of display...
日本有数のこけしコレクション

Reviewed : 2019.11.21

故深沢要さんのご遺族から寄贈されたこけしのコレクションはすごいです。展示室内で特に目を引いたのは、高松宮殿下秘蔵のこけしです。スキー大会をはじめ、故高松宮殿下は16回鳴子町に来られたそうです。その想い出の大きなこけしが大切に展示されているのが心に残りました。鳴子峡の近くの高台にあるので、冬場は閉鎖されます。
ジャパニーズアートやなあ

Reviewed : 2019.10.18

鳴子公園の高台にあり、峡谷的で立地もいいです。係員の接客もgoodです。又単なるコケシの展示ではなく、その制作過程もわかり、これはアートやなあと感じました。彫刻と絵画を融合した土着のシンボリック作品と思いました。