Yajiro Kokeshi Village

In the Yajiro district, a small settlement at the foothills of the Zao mountain range, the tradition of kijibiki—woodturning using a lathe and plane to create wooden items such as bowls—has been practiced for generations. Yajiro kokeshi dolls were originally made as children’s toys and later developed into popular souvenirs for visitors to local hot-spring resorts. Each doll is handmade, and even works by the same artisan vary in expression, giving every piece its own distinctive charm.

At Yajiro Kokeshi Village, visitors can observe skilled artisans at work in on-site workshops and purchase kokeshi dolls they find appealing. Inside the facility, hands-on kokeshi painting experiences are also available. A hand-painted kokeshi makes a memorable keepsake of the visit.