Saitama City Iwatsuki Doll Museum

The Saitama City Iwatsuki Doll Museum showcases the renowned doll-making tradition of Iwatsuki, a district in Saitama City that has been producing traditional Japanese dolls for over 400 years. Established to preserve and promote this local craft heritage, the museum documents the evolution of Iwatsuki's doll industry, which once supplied dolls throughout the Edo period and continues today as one of Japan's three major doll-producing regions alongside Kyoto and Hakata.

The museum's permanent collection features traditional hina dolls (ornamental dolls displayed during the annual Girls' Day festival), gogatsu dolls for Boys' Day celebrations, and decorative dolls representing various historical periods and cultural themes. Visitors can examine the intricate craftsmanship involved in doll production, from wooden body construction to elaborate costume design and face painting. The facility regularly hosts special exhibitions highlighting specific doll types, historical periods, or contemporary artists working in traditional styles.

Interactive experiences allow visitors to observe artisans at work and understand the detailed processes behind doll creation. The museum shop offers authentic Iwatsuki dolls and related crafts for purchase, providing access to works by local craftspeople. Seasonal displays coincide with Japanese festivals, particularly the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) in March, when elaborate doll arrangements fill the exhibition spaces.

The museum is located approximately 25 kilometers north of central Tokyo in the Iwatsuki district. From Tokyo, take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Omiya Station, then transfer to the Tobu Urban Park Line (Tobu Noda Line) for about 15 minutes to Iwatsuki Station. The museum is roughly a 15-minute walk from the station.