After visiting Naruko Onsen, it’s hard not to be drawn to the adorable kokeshi dolls. It wasn’t until I watched an artisan make one in person that I realized how much meticulous work goes into what looks like a simple wooden doll. From carving and sanding the wood to painting the facial expression and body patterns, every step requires years of practice. The thickness of the lines and the proportions of the designs especially test the artisan’s touch and experience. Each piece has the artisan’s own style and is truly one of a kind. I hope more young people will learn this precious traditional Japanese craft so that the art of making kokeshi can continue to be passed down.
Japan Kokeshi Museum | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Shirakawa Suigen
The Shirakawa Water Source is one of the Minamiaso Village Spring Water Group where subterranean water from the Aso Caldera gushes out. It is the source of the Shirakawa River, a first-class river that flows through Kumamoto City, and is famous for being selected as one of the "100 best waters" by the Environment Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment).
For independent travelers, taking the Aso sightseeing bus not only eliminates the hassle of driving on mountain roads and making transfers, but also provides a smooth connection along the main route between JR Aso Station and the mountaintop. The itinerary covers spectacular sights such as the smoke-shrouded Nakadake Crater of Mount Aso, the lush grasslands of Kusasenri, and Shirakawa Falls. You can take in the magnificent scenery right from the bus and experience the beauty of Aso in depth in the easiest and most comfortable way.
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Kuidaore Taro Pudding
The character "Kuidaore Taro" first appeared in 1950 as the signature doll of "Osaka Meibutsu Kuidaore," a restaurant that used to be located in Dotonbori, Osaka's busiest shopping district. After the restaurant closed, he is still charming in front of the amusement building "Nakaza Cui-daore Bldg." in Dotonbori.
The Osaka specialty “Kuidaore Taro Pudding” is fun just to look at~ Inspired by Kuidaore Taro, the famous mascot of Dotonbori in Osaka, the pudding comes in an adorable bottle that you can keep as a little collectible after finishing it. The pudding has a smooth, delicate texture, and the caramel sauce adds a sweet, fragrant flavor. It tastes rich without being overly heavy. The cute design also makes it a fun gift.
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Sendai Bite-sized Zunda Mochi
Zunda mochi, a traditional sweet made from mochi coated with sweetened mashed edamame, is a beloved Sendai specialty alongside sasakamaboko and grilled beef tongue.
When visiting Sendai, don’t miss the local edamame-themed sweets! Many shops sell edamame mochi as souvenirs, with sweet, smooth edamame filling wrapped in chewy mochi. They’re bite-sized, making them easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy. The small, individually wrapped packages also make it perfect to buy a few boxes and share with friends.
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