Morioka Handiworks Square

We took another ITT tour in November. We headed back to Morioka for a visit to the Handiworks Square.

First we had the opportunity to make our own Chagu Chagu horse toy. The toy represents horses that are dressed up for the Chagu Chagu Umako festival: a parade of elaborately decorated horses. This festival has been held annually for around 200 years. Here is a picture of a chagu chagu horse statue in the museum:

And here we are making our own toy version:

Caleb is an extremely good helper

I love this picture of Simeon

After finishing our craft we had time to visit the small museum and wander around the plaza.

 Mandy different things are made here, including indigo dyed textiles, furniture, cast iron, and wooden toys

Designs used on cast iron kettles

Isn't this amazing?

There are several little shops around the handiworks square. Each shop has a workshop with windows where you can watch the products being made. 

They even have a workshop for kokeshi dolls.

 We were particularly fascinated by the cast iron works. The cast iron made here is apparently known as being some of the best (iwachu cast iron) and is all hand cast:

We were lucky enough to be able to watch this man working on a kettle. So cool!

Once we finished up at the handiworks square it was time for a trip to the mall. Some of us were in the mood for some comfort food. Good thing McDonald's really is the same everywhere you go:

Well almost the same. McDonald's in Japan has a few special items like these amazing chocolate pies:

They are definitely Caleb approved.

We had some time to kill before heading back to the bus. We found a little quiet corner where Caleb could push his cart around for a bit and Daddy could sit down and relax.

Somehow our kids have gotten it into their heads that every time they go to the mall, they have to eat ice cream (even though we just ate chocolate pie). Interesting fact, Japanese malls seem always have a grocery store on the main floor. We've found that it's much cheaper to hit up the grocery store for ice cream than try to buy it from a restaurant (even McDonald's). There is usually a big freezer with individual serving ice creams and popsicles. Bonus: since there are popsicles, Caleb can actually have one too. The kids love picking out their own ice cream.

This time, as we were checking out, the cashier showed us to the dry ice vending machine, which is very cool.

You put in your coin, hang your bag inside, and close the front.

Then you have a bag full of dry ice snow!

These popsicles are really good. 

It's like an ice cream sandwich but with a cone on the outside. Tasty.