🗺️ Japan Mustard Seed Puppet Museum日本こけし館

Located in the famous "Naruko Onsen Town," known for its ancient production of small kokeshi dolls, the museum was established thanks to the generous donations of numerous small kokeshi craftsmen from across the country, along with a collection donated by poet and fairy tale writer Fukasawa Kaname. For the past 200 years, Naruko kokeshi has been a popular children's toy, gradually evolving into a souvenir, an adult favorite, and a decorative item. Its beautiful shapes and simple, gentle expressions captivate many, and it has been designated as one of the "Five Great Traditional Kokeshi" of Miyagi Prefecture, recognized as a national traditional craft. In the Kokeshi Museum's puppet hall, kokeshi from various regions of Tohoku, including Naruko kokeshi, are displayed. Visitors can also watch live demonstrations of craftsmen making kokeshi on-site and participate in a painting area where they can create their own personalized kokeshi. Here, you can take photos with a giant kokeshi or purchase themed merchandise such as folders and hand towels to take home as souvenirs from your trip.

The themed hall located in the oldest production area of "Karasumi Onsen Village." It showcases karasumi, which is designated as a national traditional craft, as well as karasumi from various regions in Tohoku. Visitors can observe workers creating karasumi on-site. There is also a painting area where you can create your own personalized karasumi. Original merchandise themed around karasumi, such as folders and hand towels, is available for sale.