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

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

This service includes sponsored advertisements.

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
Murakami City souvenirs
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. Located in the former town of merchants, where many machiya (Murakami's traditional wooden houses and shops) remain, the "dolls" treasured by the people who live in the machiya are exhibited and open to the public free of charge. Not only can you admire the precious "dolls," but you can also tour the inside of the machiya, which are an integral part of daily life, stroll through the historic alleys of Murakami, 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, brave warrior dolls, simple clay dolls, and collections of mascot dolls from famous confectionery manufacturers. It's fun to search for your favorite "doll."

27th Murakami Castle Town Doll Tour

Event period: March 1st (Sun) to April 3rd (Fri), 2026 *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 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 respectful of your manners.

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

27th Murakami Castle Town Doll Tour

Recommended participating stores

Kokonoen

This is the oldest Murakami tea manufacturer and retailer in Murakami City. The exhibits include the Hina dolls that have been treasured for generations by the Takinami family, owners of Kokonoen, as well as a magnificent feudal lord procession (see top photo) inherited from the lord of the Murakami domain. Each of the samurai dolls in the procession has a different expression, making them extremely luxurious even for the time.
The attached cafe, Machiya Cafe Kuhei-an, serves matcha green tea and Japanese sweets (for a fee).

[Official] Kokonoen

Masujin

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

[Murakami City Tourism Association Website] Masujin

Sennenzake Kikkawa

This shop produces 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.

[Official] Sennen Sake Kikkawa

Taiyo Shuzo Nagomi-gura

This is the exhibition space for Taiyo Sake Brewery, one of two sake breweries in Murakami City, which produces "Taiyo-zakari." You can see Hina dolls and clay dolls from various eras, as well as ancient sake brewing tools.
The building also has a sake tasting server (for a fee), where you can sample Taiyo Shuzo's standard and limited edition sakes.

[Official] Taiyo Shuzo

Tasting Server Experience Report

Sakedourak Kudo

Sakedouraku Kudo is a liquor store selling local sake from Murakami, Niigata, and displays a doll of "Peko-chan," the mascot character of the Western-style confectionery manufacturer Fujiya. The store owner, Tatsuro Kudo, is a local Murakami resident. He's always interesting to talk about local sake, as well as his hobbies, such as sightseeing, music, and photography.

[Official] Sakedouraku Kudo

Other events during the period

During the "27th Murakami Castle Town Doll Tour" (March 1st to April 3rd), there will be other events that you can enjoy along with this event. Please come and enjoy them together!!

42nd Murakami Castle Town Hina Doll Exhibition (February 28th - April 5th)
The Oshagiri Hall will host an exhibition of Hina dolls and other items that were owned by the Naito family, the lords of Murakami Domain.

The 42nd Hina Doll Exhibition from the Castle Town of Murakami

20th Tsuishu Festival (March 19th-23rd)
You can purchase traditional crafts such as Murakami wood carving lacquerware and accessories at reasonable prices.

The 20th Tsuishu Festival

SL Murakami Hina Kaido / DL Murakami Hina Kaido will be in operation (March 21st and 22nd)
The special SL Murakami Hina Kaido train will run between JR Niitsu Station and Murakami Station. Events will also be held in front of Murakami Station to coincide with the train's arrival and departure.

SL Murakami Hina Kaido / DL Murakami Hina Kaido in operation

Antique Market at Enma-do Temple in Jurinji Temple [March] (3/22)
Antique folk implements, old fabrics, tableware and jewelry are lined up on Echigo Murakami Machiya Street. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Antique Market at Enma-do Temple in Jurinji Temple [March]

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...approx. 65 minutes ● Nagoya (Komaki/Chubu Centrair) → Niigata Airport...approx. 60-65 minutes

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

Senami Onsen Direct Liner

By Shinkansen and 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 Murakami City.
Niigata Station → (Uetsu Main Line) → Murakami Station ... Limited Express Inaho: Approx. 1 hour, Local train: Approx. 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 from JR Murakami Station, and is just the right distance for a 20-minute walk. Other transportation options include taxis, circular buses, and rental bicycles.

Transportation within Murakami City

Murakami City souvenirs

Among souvenirs from Murakami City, processed salmon products are especially popular. The city also produces sake such as "Shimeharitsuru" and "Taiyo-zakari." Murakami tea, which has little astringency, is recommended for those who are not used to drinking green tea. As for crafts, Murakami wood-carved lacquer chopsticks and accessories are affordable and popular among women.

Murakami City Specialties (Food)

Murakami City's specialty products (crafts)

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. It can also get chilly in spring and autumn, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket or scarf.

Written by

Murakami City Tourism Association

Niigata

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.