In a little place called doll town or ‘Ningyo no Machi’ on Takasago street in Matsumoto City, there are quite a few doll shops, each with their own unique charm. Depending on the time of year, you may either find lovely Japanese hina dolls for girls or even traditional Japanese kabuto helmets for boys.

Shiroishi, a sleepy, quiet little town not far from Sendai. A day trip from Sendai made me wonder about things to see and do at Shiroishi. My personal account of a day trip to Shiroishi from Sendai.

Near the well-known city of Omiya, located in the centre of the Kanto plain, there is a small city, with an estimated population lower than 112,000 but with an amazing and an invaluable Japanese traditional treasure: doll-making.