MiyagiTravel

Zao Town Traditional Industry Hall, Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum (蔵王町伝統産業会館みやぎ蔵王こけし館)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Pray for safe travels at the shrine enshrined atop Mount Katta, with Okama and a grand panorama below

About 75 min from the previous stop

About 75 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Interact with goats and sheep at a pasture on the foot of Mount Zao, and rest in the highland breeze

About this spot

An exhibition hall for traditional kokeshi dolls, standing in Togatta Onsen, said to be one of the birthplaces of kokeshi. Inside, about 5,000 traditional kokeshi and wooden toys from all over the Tohoku region are on display, centered on the Togatta style, and comparing the different faces and body patterns from each production area draws you into the surprising depth of these simple wooden dolls. There's also the appeal of a demonstration corner where craftsmen show the kokeshi-making process up close, as the dolls take shape on a lathe. In the popular painting experience, you can paint a face and pattern on a plain wooden kokeshi and take home a one-of-a-kind doll all your own. Comparing your designs with friends is sure to bring out everyone's individuality and liven things up. The gift shop is lined with the craftsmen's works, perfect for a keepsake or souvenir from your trip.

Tips

A few minutes by car from the Togatta Onsen hot spring town, with free parking. The painting experience takes about 30 minutes to an hour; same-day registration is sometimes possible, but you may have to wait if it overlaps with a tour group, so inquire in advance if you want to be sure of trying it. It's a good stop for early afternoon, after coming down the mountain, and combining it with lunch in the hot spring town is recommended.