Doll Warehouse in Shiroishi

Range of Japan dolls and postwar pop in old warehouses

Justin Velgus Mar 07, 2016 - 1 min read

You can see the warehouse ceiling from the second floor

Rare and unique wartime dolls on display

Checking out the Dagashi-ya items on the first floor

This place is packed with so much to look at

Understandably, most dolls are from the Tohoku region and from Japan

View from the second floor down inside the second warehouse

Shiroishi is primarily known for its historical samurai roots, including an impressive smaller scale castle, and its healthy and tasty umen noodles. However, walk around any town and there is sure to be more than first meets the eye. One such place is the Shiroishi Doll Warehouse (白石人形倉）.

Housed in actually two Edo era warehouses are a huge variety and number of traditional dolls. Something unique I have never seen are the dolls and some of the artifacts from during wartime Japan. Also, on the first floor of the main warehouse is a dagashi-ya. These postwar toy stands are quite rare today. All the playthings here take you back to a time in Japan remembered by the older generation yet often not explored by the casual visitor. If few visitors, staff will often guide you around. Staff and information is primarily Japanese only.

Open 10:00-16:00. Closed Wednesdays. About a 10 minute walk from the castle or 20 minute walk from Shiroishi Station.

Justin Velgus @justin.velgus

Justin Velgus (ジャスティンベルガス) is the Miyagi Prefecture expert for Japan Travel and a long-term contributor since 2012 with a focus on the Tohoku region. Justin has written extensively for JT, and other publications such as VisitMiyagi and Sake Today, amassing over 350 published articles...