[About 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] Come and see the "Dolls" in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture!

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Every year from March 1st to April 3rd, Murakami City holds an event called "Castle Town Murakami Machiya Doll Tour." Approximately 4,000 historical dolls, including important collections of Hina dolls, warrior dolls, and clay dolls (Ohama dolls), are on display for free at participating stores.

Written by

Murakami City Tourism Association

Murakami City, located at the northern tip of Niigata Prefecture, has a townscape full of historical atmosphere centered around the ruins of Murakami Castle, as well as the scenic beauty of the Sasagawa Nagare, which boasts a splendid seascape, mountains, rivers, and countryside that bring bountiful blessings, and Senami facing the Sea of Japan. You can spend quality time relaxing in the hot springs while watching the sunset. There are many delicious dishes that can only be tasted in Murakami, such as salmon dishes such as ``salted salmon'', Murakami beef, and Koshihikari rice from Iwafune. We will introduce you to the charms of Murakami, a city of history, tradition, rich nature, and gourmet food.

Table of Contents
What is "Castle Town Murakami Machiya Doll Tour"?
Recommended participating stores
Other events during the period
How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
Souvenirs from Murakami City
Murakami City's Climate and Clothing

What is "Castle Town Murakami Machiya Doll Tour"?

"Castle Town Murakami Machiya Doll Tour" is a popular spring event in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. The "dolls" treasured by the people who live in the townspeople's houses are exhibited and open to the public for free in the old townspeople's area where many townspeople's houses (traditional wooden houses and shops in Murakami) remain. Not only can you appreciate the precious "dolls," but you can also tour the inside of the townspeople, which are an integral part of daily life, stroll through the alleys of Murakami, which are full of historical atmosphere, and enjoy heartwarming interactions with the local residents.
The "dolls" are diverse, ranging from Hina dolls and hanging dolls from the early Edo period to the present day, heroic warrior dolls, simple clay dolls, and collections of mascot dolls from famous confectionery manufacturers. It's fun to search for your favorite "doll."

The 26th Murakami Castle Town Doll Tour

Event period: March 1st (Sat) to April 3rd (Thu), 2025 *Holidays vary depending on participating stores.
Time: 9:00-17:00 *Opening times vary depending on participating stores.
Venue: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, former townspeople's town area *Mainly around JR Murakami Station and Murakami City Hall
Admission: Free
Organized by Murakami Machiya Merchants Association
Note: This event is being held with the kind permission of the participating stores. Please be mindful of your manners.

For inquiries, please contact the Murakami Station Tourist Information Center "Murakami Tabinavikan" TEL: 0254-53-2258 (9:00-17:00)

The 26th Murakami Castle Town Doll Tour

Recommended participating stores

Kokonoen

This is the oldest Murakami tea manufacturing and sales store in Murakami City. The store displays splendid Hina dolls that have been treasured for generations by the Takinami family, the owners of Kokonoen, as well as a daimyo procession (see the top photo) inherited from the lord of the Murakami domain. Each of the samurai dolls in the procession has a different expression, and it is clear that they were very extravagant dolls even at the time.
The attached cafe, Machiya Cafe Kuhei-an, serves matcha green tea, Japanese sweets, and more (for a fee).

Kokonoen Official Website

Masujin

Masujin, which once operated as a sake brewery, displays fierce-looking warrior dolls and elaborately crafted Goten Hina dolls. You can also see old tools used in sake brewing (commuting sake bottles, sake vats, etc.), so be sure to check them out too.

Masujin introduction page

Sennenzake Kikkawa

This store manufactures and sells salmon products, one of Murakami's specialties. In addition to Hina dolls and warrior dolls, another highlight is the display of clay dolls and local toys from all over Japan, collected by a relative who is a collector.

Sennenzake Kikkawa Official Website

Taiyo Shuzo Nagomigura

This is the exhibition space of Taiyo Shuzo, one of two sake breweries in Murakami City that produces "Taiyozakari." You can see dolls and clay figures from various eras, as well as old tools used in sake brewing.
The building also has a sake tasting server (fee required), where you can try Taiyo Shuzo's standard and limited edition sakes.

Taiyo Shuzo Official Website

Tasting Server Experience Report

Sakedoraku Kudo

Sakedoraku Kudo is a liquor store that sells local sake from Murakami, Niigata. On display is a doll of "Peko-chan," the mascot character of the Western confectionery manufacturer "Fujiya." The store owner, Tatsuro Kudo, is a famous old man from Murakami. He's happy to talk about his hobbies, including sightseeing, music, and photography, as well as local sake.

Sakedoraku Kudo Official Website

Other events during the period

During the "26th Castle Town Murakami Machiya Doll Tour" (March 1st to April 3rd), there will be other events that you can enjoy along with this one. Please come and enjoy them together!!

The 41st Murakami Castle Town Hina Doll Exhibition (March 1st to April 6th)
The Oshagiri Hall will host an exhibition of Hina dolls and other items that were owned by the Naito family, lords of Murakami domain.
https://www.sake3.com/event/8011

[March] Antique Market at Enma-do Temple (March 23rd)
Old folk tools, old fabrics, tableware and jewelry are lined up on "Echigo Murakami Machiya Street." Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
https://www.sake3.com/event/8279

How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

By plane

There are direct flights to Niigata Airport from major airports in Japan.
● Osaka (Itami) → Niigata Airport ... Approximately 65 minutes ● Nagoya (Komaki/Chubu International) → Niigata Airport ... Approximately 60 to 65 minutes

Please take the limousine bus (approximately 25 minutes) from Niigata Airport to JR Niigata Station.
There is also the "Senami Onsen Direct Liner" (reservation required) that connects Niigata Airport to Murakami and Senami Onsen.

Senami Onsen Direct Liner

By train

Please take the Shinkansen from major cities in Japan to Niigata Prefecture (Niigata City).
●Tokyo Station → (Joetsu Shinkansen) → Niigata Station ... Approximately 2 hours ●Shin-Osaka Station → (Tokaido Shinkansen) → Tokyo Station → (Joetsu Shinkansen) → Niigata Station ... Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes

Please take the Uetsu Main Line from Niigata City to Murakame City.
●Niigata Station → (Uetsu Main Line) → Murakami Station ... Limited Express Inaho about 1 hour, local train about 1 hour 30 minutes

Access to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

How to get around Murakami city

The old town area, where old streetscapes remain, is about 2km away from Murakami Station, and takes about 20 minutes on foot, making it a good distance for a stroll. Other transportation options include taxis, circular buses, and rental bicycles.
https://www.sake3.com/en/access2.html

Transportation within Murakami City

Souvenirs from Murakami City

Among souvenirs from Murakami City, processed salmon products are especially popular. In addition, sake such as "Shimeharitsuru" and "Taiyomori" are also produced here. Murakami tea, which has little bitterness, is recommended for those who are not used to drinking green tea. As for handicrafts, Murakami woodcarving lacquer chopsticks and accessories are affordable and popular among women.

Murakami City's specialty products (food)

Murakami City's specialty products (handicrafts)

Murakami City's Climate and Clothing

Murakami City, located in the northern part of Japan, begins to snow around mid-December and has cold days until late March.
There are chilly days in spring and autumn, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket or scarf.

Written by

Murakami City Tourism Association

Niigata

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