Yokohama Doll Museum, Yokohama

The Yokohama Doll Museum, located in Yokohama, is a fascinating place filled with doll art and history. It houses an impressive collection of over 10,000 dolls from more than 100 countries. The museum was established in 1978 when a generous individual donated their private doll collection to Yokohama City. Due to the collection's rapid growth, the museum moved to its current location, a purpose-built facility, in 1986. This new building was designed to effectively display the vast array of dolls and their cultural significance across four floors.

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum also hosts special exhibitions, live performances in a theater, a café, and a shop selling unique souvenirs. Visitors start their journey on the 2nd floor, exploring the "Nostalgic Harbor," which depicts Yokohama's early history as an important port that connected Japan to the rest of the world using dolls and images.

A major attraction is the "World Festival" room on the same floor, showcasing a diverse collection of folk dolls from Japan and around the world, highlighting the universal significance of dolls in various cultures. Moving to the 3rd floor, guests encounter the "Memories of Dolls" section, featuring beloved classic dolls from the 20th century that evoke nostalgia. This floor also displays fine Western and Japanese dolls crafted by master artisans, some of whom are recognized as Living National Treasures.