The phrase “porcelain-like skin” is a universally esteemed compliment, particularly resonant in Arita, a town celebrated for its ceramic artistry. During its Dolls Festival, Arita showcases Hina dolls that epitomize this ideal, crafted from the town’s renowned Arita porcelain. These dolls are distinguished by their radiant surfaces and intricately applied designs. The festival’s centerpiece is the world’s largest display of porcelain seated Hina dolls, a magnificent assembly that took three years to complete. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the dolls from Arita’s prestigious kilns, such as Kakiemon and Koransha, and those produced by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory in Germany, highlighting the international bonds of craftsmanship. These porcelain Hina dolls are on display across various kilns, galleries, and shops throughout Arita.
For the convenience of festival-goers, free shuttle buses run on weekends and public holidays, connecting JR Arita Station’s KILN ARITA with the Uchiyama district, where Aritakan is located, and venues showcasing Arita’s porcelain Hina dolls. The service offers two departures daily, at 11:30 and 13:30, with tickets available 30 minutes prior to departure from KILN ARITA. This initiative ensures that visitors can fully engage with the beauty and tradition of Arita’s Dolls Festival, offering a seamless journey through the town’s ceramic heritage.
• 2/4 (Sun.) ~ 3/10 (Sun.)
• Free entry
• Various places in Arita Town, Arita Kan, Arita Será and more (Official Map)
• https://www.arita.jp/event/hinamatsuri/
