Yokohama Doll Museum is a large museum facility with a collection of over 10,000 dolls from over 100 countries. This museum was first founded after the donation of a private doll collection to Yokohama City in 1978. Over time the museum’s collection grew, and to house it the current facility was established in 1986. The museum has four floors which feature several galleries and exhibition halls for the permanent exhibition as well as a special exhibition area, a theatre, a café and a shop.
Yokohama Doll Museum
The exhibits trace the changing role of dolls through history from ancient times when dolls were used as folk charms to keep away disease or to pray for a good harvest to the early middle ages when dolls were used as toys for the first time. In the 17th century dolls were used to demonstrate the latest fashions, but this role was later taken up by magazines. In the 19th century dolls came to be seen as artistic objects, while the 20th century saw the popularity of both handicraft dolls and mass-produced dolls.
The Nostalgic Harbor section
The permanent exhibition area begins on the 2nd floor with a “Nostalgic Harbor” section devoted to the early history of Yokohama. Pictures and dolls are used to tell the story of the important period when Yokohama was first opened as a port and became Japan’s gateway to the world.
The World Festival room
From here visitors enter a large display room called the “World Festival” where folk dolls from across Japan are exhibited. These include tumbling daruma dolls, horse dolls from northern Japan, and wooden kokeshi dolls which originated as souvenirs in the hot spring resorts towns of the Tohoku region.
Dolls from Western Japan
Horse dolls from northern Japan
Kokeshi dolls from Tohoku
Another section of this room displays folk dolls from every region of the world. The huge variety of dolls exhibited here shows us just how important dolls have been in human society and culture.
Dolls from Asia
European dolls
Dolls from Tonga and Papua New Guinea
The next section is “Memories of Dolls” which takes us up the stairs to the 3rd floor. Here classic dolls from the 20th century are presented and there are many that will bring back nostalgic childhood memories.
The Memories of Dolls section
Also on the 3rd floor are a collection of highly prized Western and Japanese dolls which are recognized as works of art. These were created by master craftsmen including some who are designated as Living National Treasures.
Part of “Collection Mall” on the 3rd floor
19th century Bisque dolls
In addition to these displays there is a special exhibition area on the 3rd floor and a theatre on the 4th floor where there are occasional concerts, puppet shows and other entertainments.
Antique Japanese dolls
The Doll Museum can be entered from street level on the 1st floor, or if you approach it via the overhead walkway that connects it to Yamashita Park, you can enter from the 2nd floor. On the 1st floor there is a souvenir shop and a cosy café called Café Elliot Avenue where you can enjoy a Seattle style espresso or latte. The shop has a range of toys and accessories on sale and some fine reproductions of antique dolls that you can only buy here.
The ticket office
Location
Yokohama Doll Museum is a 4 minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Subway Line. It is also convenient for Yamashita Park which is just across the road from the museum and a 5-minute walk from the Hikawa Maru museum ship. Here is a map showing Yokohama Doll Museum’s location.
Admission
Adults: 400 yen
Seniors (over age 65): 350 yen
Children (junior high age and under): 200 yen
* There is an extra fee for special exhibitions.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
