Last updated: December 21, 2020
A modern take on a classic Japanese wooden doll
Kokeshi dolls are pin-shaped, wooden toys with no arms or legs that have been made for more than 150 years. Sosaku kokeshi, meaning "original kokeshi" are a modern update on the traditional design, and Gunma is the leading producer of these dolls.
Usaburo Kokeshi is the best-known sosaku kokeshi producer. Its colorful dolls include Daruma, Miffy, and Disney characters. These innovative dolls are carved by master woodworkers who wheel, polish, paint, coat and assemble up to 15,000 kokeshi a month.
1591 Nagaoka, Shinto, Kitagunma District ( Map)
About 10 minutes by taxi from Yagihara Station
Free, 100 cars
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, New Year's holidays
0279-54-6766
