Yokohama Doll Museum

The Yokohama Doll Museum is a modern building that houses a large collection of dolls displayed across multiple floors and exhibition spaces. The rooms showcase hand-crafted figures from different periods and regions arranged in carefully designed settings.

The museum opened in 1986 and quickly became an important center for preserving and presenting doll art. The building itself was designed by prominent architects and is recognized for its modern approach to exhibition design.

The collection brings together traditional Japanese dolls crafted by renowned artisans and dolls from many countries, each representing different regions and their own ways of making these figures. Visitors can observe how doll-making styles vary widely across cultures.

The museum is easily reached on foot from nearby train stations, and you can spend two to three hours exploring the collections. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since there are several flights of stairs and corridors to walk through.

The museum building itself was recognized for its innovative architectural design. This contrast between the modern structure outside and the timeless artworks inside often surprises visitors who expect a more traditional museum setting.

Location: Yamashitachō

Architects: Sakakura Associates Architects and Engineers

Official opening: June 1, 1986

Part of: 100 Best Public Buildings in Japan

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 09:30-17:00

Phone: +81456719361

Website: https://doll-museum.jp/index_en.php

GPS coordinates: 35.44317,139.65211

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43