Yokohama Doll Museum

The Yokohama Doll Museum in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of the largest doll museums in Japan. The museum’s collection showcases 1,300 dolls from 140 countries around the world, including traditional and contemporary Japanese dolls. It was founded in 1986 after private collector Hideko Oono donated her vast collection of dolls to the city of Yokohama. Now, the museum is a fascinating celebration of dolls throughout human history and across cultures. 

Yokohama Doll Museum

Photo by: Rachel Crane

The museum’s permanent collection celebrates the importance of dolls across time and cultures. In the Nostalgic Harbour exhibition, visitors can learn about how Yokohama port became a gateway between Japan and the globe.

From folk dolls used to ward off illness to the earliest toy dolls, the collection offers a fascinating view of how dollmaking has evolved throughout human history. Fashion lovers can also admire dolls modelling the national dress of numerous countries. 

Memories of Dolls

The Memories of Dolls section explores the nostalgia evoked by twentieth-century dolls like Barbie and her Japanese equivalent, Rika-chan. These floors also demonstrate the intricate (and sometimes uncanny) process of doll-making, with fun hands-on exhibits. 

Traditional Dolls of Japan

Photo by: Rachel Crane

Much of the Yokohama Doll Museum showcases traditional Japanese dolls. These include kokeshi dolls from the Tohoku Region and fierce red daruma dolls associated with good fortune. Naturally, the iconic hinamatsuri (doll festival) dolls have a prominent place here. Make sure not to miss the displays of wooden horse dolls from northern Japan. 

The third floor showcases the more recent history of Japanese doll craftsmanship, with a series of beautiful, lifelike dolls. Many of these dolls are crafted by artists considered Living National Treasures in Japan. 

Unique Exhibitions and Souvenirs

Photo by: Rachel Crane

Yokohama Doll Museum also holds several special exhibitions throughout the year. Recent themes include porcelain Bisque dolls and traditional Japanese miniatures. Avant-garde exhibitions by contemporary artists occasionally feature more unique and nightmarish creations. The fourth-floor Akaikutsu Theatre hosts occasional puppet shows, concerts and presentations. 

The first-floor gift shop is a treasure trove of cute and offbeat souvenirs. The ground floor also features a cafe and a street-level entrance close to the waterfront, Yamashita Park.