Kokeshi are wooden folkcraft dolls sold as souvenir at hot spring areas in Northeastern Japan originating in the Edo period. Currently, there are 11 different styles of Kokeshi dolls in the Northeastern region and each vary by shape and pattern.
Styles of Kokeshi
- Tsugaru style
- Nanbu style
- Kijiyama style
- Naruko style
- Yamagata style
- Sakunami style
- Togatta style
- Yajiro style
- Tsuchiyu style
- Zao style
- Hijiori style
History of Tsugaru Kokeshi
The foundation for the style of Tsugaru kokeshi was established by a man named Hidetaro Mori, who added his unique style to the local kokeshi around 1914. This style spread around Nuruyu Hot Spring and became known in Kuroishi city, Aomori.
Colors and Shape of Tsugaru Kokeshi
Tsugaru kokeshi features an okappa hairstyle (bob cut), a wider bottom, and a curved torso.
You can find various patterns on the kokeshi dolls; some with drawings of the Aomori Nebuta summer festival, others have the image of a peony, the flower used in the insignia of Tsugaru clan.
Tsugaru Kokeshi, born in the snowy climate of Tsugaru, are highly valued throughout Japan for their traditional beauty and simple colors.
Make Your Original “Tsugaru Kokeshi” (Kokeshi Decorating Experience)
Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum
*Reservation required.
Please inquire for more information.
- Reservations must be made for a minimum of two people.
- Please make the reservation 10 days prior to the day of your visit.
| Address | 72-1 Toyama Fukuro Kuroishi City, Aomori 036-0412 (MAP) |
|---|---|
| Tel | 0172-54-8181 |
| Price | For one person 1,200 yen (tax included) |
| URL | http://tsugarukokeshi.com/event.html |
4000 Kokeshi Doll Collection and the Largest Kokeshi of Japan
4000 Kokeshi Doll Collection
Amongst the exhibited kokeshi, you will find many decorated by famous individuals.
- Shinzo Abe (90th Prime Minister of Japan)
- Momoko Sakura (Cartoonist)
- Tsurutaro Kataoka (Actor, TV personality)
- Seiichi Sakurada (Composer)
- Yuichiro Miura (Professional skier, Mountaineer)
- Atsushi Magonai（Crayon Artist）
| Adults | High School Students | Junior High/Elementary School Students |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| One person | 320 yen | 270 yen | 160 yen |
| Group Admission (15 people and up) |
270 yen | 210 yen | 100 yen |
Largest Kokeshi of Japan
The jumbo kokeshi was made entirely from one tree, a 350-year old katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) tree from Nishimeya town, Aomori prefecture.
Alongside the largest kokeshi of Japan, a wooden daruma, a tumbling doll, made from a 330-year old Aomori hiba (white cedar) tree is also in exhibition.
| Weight | 1,600kg |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.2195m |
| Body Circumference | 4.6m |
Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum
| Address | 72-1 Toyama Fukuro Kuroishi City, Aomori 036-0412 (MAP) |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0172-54-8181 |
Finding Your Favorite Kokeshi Craftsman
Unlike the other regions of kokeshi craftsmanship where apprentice system is strictly observed, the Tsugaru style kokeshi leaves room for each craftsman to apply their own vision and ingenuity. For that reason, you will find that there are many different kokeshi dolls in Tsugaru.
Try to find your favorite kokeshi during your visit!
Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum
| Address | 72-1 Toyama Fukuro Kuroishi City, Aomori 036-0412 (MAP) |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0172-54-8181 |
| Open /Closed | 9:00～17:00(December ~ End of March: 16:00)・None |
| Access | Ride the Konan Bus Nurukawa Line (via Itadome) from Konan railway “Kuroishi Eki Mae” to “Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum”. |
Abo Kokeshi Shop
| Address | 34-3 Hanamaki Kuroishi City, Aomori 036-0413 (MAP) |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0172-54-8865 |
| Open /Closed | 8:00～16:00 /Irregular |
| Access | Ride the Konan Bus Nurukawa Line (via Itadome) from Konan railway “Kuroishi Eki Mae” to “Hanamaki”. Walk 5 minutes. |
Crafts Shop Okuse
| Address | 1-51 Sakunoki Kuroishi City, Aomori 036-0333 (MAP) |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0172-52-4385 |
| Access | Ride the Konan Bus “Hirosaki-Kuroishi-Okawara Line” from Konan railway “Kuroishi Eki Mae” to “Kuroishi Middle School”. Walk 5 minutes. |
Kitayama Crafts Studio
| Address | 152-6 Kawai Aseishi Kuroishi City, Aomori 036-0343 (MAP) |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0172-52-5959 |
| Access | Board the Konan Bus “Onoe line” (via Kogano) at the Konan railway Kuroishi station, and get off at “Shimo Asaseishi” stop. Walk 5 minutes. OR Ride the “Puratto Go” Kuroishi city Excursion Bus (Chitose, Southern Route) from the Konan railway Kuroishi Station, to “Nakagawa” stop. Walk 10 minutes. |
