Izu Kokeshi (Ginzan Store)
The Izu family opened this small craft shop in 1922. It sells kokeshi, a type of traditional wooden doll that originated in northeastern Japan. The store is especially popular for its Oshin and tanjo kokeshi dolls. Oshin kokeshi are based on a doll handcrafted by the Izu family that featured in the popular TV show Oshin, for which Ginzan Onsen served as a setting. They feature bob haircuts with ribbons painted in. Tanjo (literally “birth”) kokeshi are custom-made to celebrate the birth of a child, carved to their specific height and weight at birth. The Ginzan shop also sells snacks and other souvenirs.
Izu Kokeshi has a factory workshop on the road to Ginzan Onsen. The factory offers an introduction to kokeshi painting, and sells a variety of wooden handicrafts. The business has been in the family for three generations.