🗺️ Izu Wasabi Workshop Main Store

In 1915 (Taisho 14), carpenters were dispatched from Yamagata Prefecture to Ginzan Onsen to teach their craft, leading to the creation of the toy "Ginzan Kokeshi" dolls. Later, due to their appearance in the morning drama "Asa ga Kita" aired in 1983 (Showa 58), they also became known as "Asa ga Kita Kokeshi," gaining popularity as a local specialty of Ginzan Onsen. Currently, the only workshop producing "Ginzan Kokeshi" is "Izu Kokeshi Workshop." Since the craft has been passed down through generations, it is also referred to as "Izu Kokeshi." The dolls have a slender body, and their heads belong to the category of Naruko Kokeshi. They come in a wide range of sizes, with the smallest being around 12 centimeters. There are also finely crafted wooden products and ceramics suitable as souvenirs, making it a worthwhile place to visit when selecting Ginzan specialties. At the entrance of the hot spring town, there is a "Craft Museum," where visitors can watch live demonstrations, and with prior reservation, they can also experience painting their own Kokeshi dolls, making it a place worth stopping by.

The only workshop for handmade Ginzan Onsen crafts, known as "Ginzan Shōgashi." It has been passed down through generations and is also referred to as "Izu Shōgashi." There is a rich variety of sizes available, starting from a minimum of 12 cm. It also sells exquisite wooden products and ceramics. Nearby, the "Craft Museum" offers the opportunity to experience hand-painting Shōgashi by appointment.