Exploring Tohoku, Japan | Crafting a Traditional Kokeshi Doll in Fukushima’s Tsuchiyu Onsen
Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Fukushima, Tsuchiyu Onsen is a favorite hot spring getaway for locals seeking an afternoon or weekend reset. Beyond its natural thermal waters, the town holds rich cultural significance as one of the birthplaces of *kokeshi*, Japan's iconic traditional wooden dolls. Here, you can paint your very own *kokeshi*, wander down charming local streets, indulge in rich, creamy pudding, and soak away your stress in a soothing bath before drifting off into a peaceful sleep.