The historic Great Inn Kashibaya in Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture began an exhibition of life-size traditional dolls this week.

The 50 dolls, which measure about three feet in height, are all made by a talented local craftsman at least 40 years ago. Some of the dolls depict characters of the imperial court during the Heian Period.

Visitors are surprised at how lifelike the dolls are. Sometimes they look like they are about to come to life.

The exhibition at the inn, which was built nearly 200 years ago, will go on until April 6. It coincides with Hina Matsuri, the season in which Japanese families arrange tiny dolls of the medieval court on a stair-like display for their daughters’ good luck. The dolls are traditionally put away on March 3, Girls’ Day.