Over the years, Japan has gotten better at selling local events to tourists and non-Japanese residents. But even with all the hubbub over Japan and Japanese culture, there are still things like the Hinamatsuri (ひな祭り – Doll Festival) that are very easy to miss.
During Hinamatsuri, Japanese families put up an elaborate display of dolls called ‘hina dolls’. And like with everything else in Japan that’s handmade, these dolls are not only pretty, but pretty pricey.
Regardless, it’s a custom that each daughter in the family should have their own dolls before their first Hinamatsuri. At the very least, they would have their own Emperor and the Empress set. A full set includes thirteen other dolls set on six additional tiers. The grand effect is a beautiful display showing a traditional Heian wedding.
Cheaply made dolls are about ¥35,000. Dolls of reasonable quality are about ¥50,000. And expertly crafted dolls are about ¥100,000, at the very least. And those prices are just for the Emperor and Empress set.
Fortunately for you, even though Hinamatsuri is a mostly private household affair, there are a number of places here and there that have displays that anyone can go and appreciate.
In this list, we’ll go through some of the biggest ones in, and around, Tokyo.
Momomatsuri at Susanoo Shrine
Susanoo Shrine in Tokyo has a big festival called ‘Momomatsuri,’ that’s held from the end of February to the beginning of April.
Bikkuri Hinamatsuri
From February 19th to March 8th, Kōnosu City in nearby Saitama has the ‘Bikkuri Hinamatsuri‘. The main display of this festival is at elumi Kōnosu Shopping Mall, though there are plenty of satellite locations too. All of these places feature different makes and designs and are certainly worth touring around the city to see.
Katsuura’s Citywide Hinamatsuri
Similar to Kōnosu City, Katsuura City in Chiba also holds a citywide festival. For 2020, the celebrations will run from February 22nd to March 3rd at several temples and shrines around the city.
Zama Shrine, Kanagawa
Following actual practice more faithfully is the Zama Shrine in Zama, Kanagawa. Zama Shrine displays its dolls for only a few days around the actual Hinamatsuri date. This year, the dolls will be on display from March 1st to 3rd.
Hina-kazari to Momo no Hana Matsuri
Finally, Enzan City in Yamanashi has the ‘Hina-kazari to Momo no Hana Matsuri’ (Hina Decoration and Peach Blossom Festival). Running from February 11th to April 18th, it’s the longest celebration on this list. The display will be at Kanzo Yashiki, a historical building near Enzan Station. And if you go on Saturday, you can make your own ‘hanging Hina decoration.’
Photo from Pixabay.
