Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum to Host Special Exhibition "Magical Doll World ~A Little Strange and Interesting! Mysterious Dolls~"

In Japan, dolls of various shapes and forms have been created in many regions since ancient times. The Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum houses a large collection of unique dolls, including somewhat mysterious human-shaped dolls, adorable animals, and even surprising yokai. These dolls embody the diverse wishes of people in the past for happiness, health, and the growth of children. The "mysterious power (magical power)" of dolls, which may seem a little strange to us now, hides the secret of Japanese "ningyo" that is distinct from Western dolls. This exhibition brings together a grand collection of slightly strange, interesting, and mysterious dolls created in various regions of Japan and from different eras. Enter the profound world of "ningyo" where people's wishes reside. Why not take a peek into the Magical Doll World this summer? *An original sticker will be presented to visitors of this exhibition (first-come, first-served, limited quantity). *Elementary school students can view the exhibition for free by using the worksheet distributed at the museum's reception during the exhibition period.

1. Exhibition Period

July 18, 2026 (Sat) to September 6, 2026 (Sun)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Closed: Mondays

*The museum will be open on July 20 (Mon, holiday).

*On August 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun), the museum will be open until 8:00 PM. (Night Museum)

2. Main Exhibited Works

Straw Doll

Aizu Hariko Akabeko

"Sankai Medetai Tsue: Tenki ni Shitai" by Kuniyoshi Utagawa

Amagatsu and Hōko

Saga Mask

Inu Bako (Dog Casket)

*All are from the collection of the Saitama City Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum.

3. Location

Saitama City Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum (6-1-1 Honcho, Iwatsuki-ku, Saitama City) By Train: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Iwatsuki Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line (Noda Line) By Car: Approximately 5.5 km from the Tohoku Expressway Iwatsuki IC exit, about 12 minutes by car Parking: 28 spaces for regular cars, 2 spaces for wheelchairs

*Saitama City Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum Official Website

4. Admission Fees

General/300 yen (200 yen), High School/University Students & Seniors (65+)/150 yen (100 yen), Elementary/Junior High School Students/100 yen (50 yen) *Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more. *Persons with disabilities and one caregiver are half price.

5. Related Events

(1) Coloring Mask Event Date & Time: July 18, 2026 (Sat) to September 6, 2026 (Sun), 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Venue: Museum Conference Room Color in the provided outlines, inspired by the exhibited items, to create your own mask! *No reservation required, participation is free. Please come directly to the venue.

(2) Exhibition Talk by Curator Date & Time: July 25 (Sat), August 9 (Sun), both at 2:00 PM (approx. 30 minutes) *No reservation required, admission ticket required. Please gather in front of the exhibition room on the day.

6. Other Events

(1) Ninpaku Kids Festival Date & Time: August 9, 2026 (Sun), 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Venue: Museum Conference Room, etc. Activities include "Can Badge Fishing" and "Ninpaku Original Strap Making"! *No reservation required, participation is free, limited to 200 people per activity (first-come, first-served). Please come directly to the venue.

(2) Night Museum Related Event "Exciting! Ninpaku Summer Festival 2026" Date & Time: August 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun), 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Venue: Museum Conference Room, etc. Various events will be held simultaneously.

7. For the Press

Press Preview Actual exhibition materials will be shown exclusively to press members. Date & Time: July 17, 2026 (Fri), 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Reception: from 1:30 PM) Venue: Saitama City Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum (6-1-1 Honcho, Iwatsuki-ku, Saitama City) Content: Exhibition explanation by curator How to Apply: By phone or FAX Application Deadline: July 16 (Thu), 5:00 PM If applying by FAX, please fill out the "Saitama City Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum Press Preview Application Form" below and submit it.

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8. Contact Information

Saitama City Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum Phone: 048-749-0222 FAX: 048-749-0225

Saitama City Official LINE delivers information tailored to you to your smartphone.

Register here or via the QR code below!