The Dazzling Tradition of Sagemon at Yanagawa’s Hina Festival
Each year, from early February, the city of Yanagawa becomes a vibrant tableau of tradition and celebration with its Hina Festival. This event is highlighted by the display of Hina dolls and the unique hanging decorations known as “Sagemon,” signifying wishes for the healthy growth of girls. The entire town participates in this festive occasion, transforming Yanagawa into a picturesque scene of cultural heritage.
Sagemon, Yanagawa’s Distinctive Hina Decoration
Sagemon decorations are a distinctive tradition of the Yanagawa region, symbolizing items that are hung (sage) to celebrate. Originating in the late Edo period, the custom began when families celebrated a girl’s first seasonal festival by creating and hanging small items made from fabric scraps. These decorations typically include forty-nine fabric crafts shaped like auspicious figures such as cranes and rabbits, alongside two Yanagawa marbles, all displayed with Hina dolls. Embedded within each Sagemon are the heartfelt wishes of mothers, grandmothers, and relatives for happiness and health.
Yanagawa Hina Festival Sagemon Tour
• Dates: February 11 (Sun., hol.) to April 3 (Wed.), 2024
• Location: Central Yanagawa City, Fukuoka, from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station to the Okinohata area.
• For a guide to the Sagemon tour, refer to the official 2024 map (PDF) available on the Yanagawa Tourism Bureau’s website, marking the 30th “Yanagawa Hina Festival Sagemon Meguri.”
Must-Visit Sagemon Spots
1. Okinohata Sagemon Park (83 Inarimachi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka):
Adorned with the warrior banners of Tachibana Muneshige and Ginkyo and a 100m long Sagemon scroll, the park illuminates with lanterns by night, creating a magical atmosphere.
2. Yanagawa Shopping Street (from “Kyomachi” intersection to “Tsuji Machi” intersection) and Yanagawa Yokamon-kan (13-1 Kyomachi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka):
The streets glow under the Sagemon lights, and the Yanagawa Yokamon-kan showcases the largest Sagemon decorations, representing the pinnacle of this local craft.
3. Tachibana Residence “Ohana” (1 Shinhoka-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka):
Admission: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for high school students, ¥400 for elementary and junior high school students.
4. Yanagawa City Tourist Information Office (35 Okinohata-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka)
5. Hakushu Kitahara Memorial Hall (55-1 Okinohata-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka):
Admission: ¥600 for adults, ¥450 for students, ¥250 for children.
6. Former Toshima Residence (49-3 Ondo-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka):
Admission is ¥100, free for visitors to the Hakushu Kitahara Memorial Hall.
Sagemon Meguri 2024: A Guide to Yanagawa’s Hina Doll Festival Events
Feb. 11 (Sun., hol.), starting at 10:00 AM
Opening Ceremony & Parade
• Location: Hiyoshi Shrine (6-1 Sakamoto-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka)
• Details: The festival kicks off with a prayer ceremony at Hiyoshi Shrine, followed by a vibrant parade. Participants dressed as the Emperor and Empress dolls, three court ladies, and five musicians, along with children pulling carts, make their way from Hiyoshi Shrine to Fujiyoshi Elementary School.
Mar. 2 (Sat.), 3 (Sun.), 9 (Sat.), 10 (Sun.)
Hina Doll Boat Tour
Route: A special journey on “Donko” boats, adorned with “Yanagawa Mari,” along the moat from Yanagawa Yokamon-kan to Hiyoshi Shrine to Ohana.
• Approximately 2 hours
• Boarding Points:
1. Okinohata (reception: Yanagawa City Tourist Information Office), departure: 12:00
2. Tsujimon (reception: Yanagawa Yokamon-kan), departure: 12:15
• Fees: Adults ¥3,000, Elementary School Students ¥2,500
• Reservations: Required. Contact 0944-74-0891 (Yanagawa City Tourist Information Office)
Mar. 2 (Sat.), 3 (Sun.) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Yanagawa Kimono Day
• Dates: March 2 (Sat.), 3 (Sun.) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Offer: Visitors in kimonos receive a gift of Yanagawa souvenirs (first 100 visitors) and discount entry tickets to tourist facilities when visiting the Yanagawa Tourist Information Office.
Mar. 20 (Wed.), 11:00 AM to 12:20 PM. (originally scheduled for March 17, and moved to 20th due to rain)
Hina Doll Water Parade
• Route: From Okinohata to Mihashira Shrine
• Highlights: The parade’s most exciting moment with children and mothers in elaborate costumes on “Donko” boats. A must-see event that attracts crowds along the shore. In case of rain, postponed to March 20 (Wed., hol.).
Kyushu Live – Hina Doll Water Parade Livestream (Mar. 17, 2024)
March 21, 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rctvxg8bWmM
Apr. 3 (Wed.), starting at 10:00 AM
Floating Hina Festival
• Location: Downstream Yanagawa Bridge River Course
• Event: The grand finale where children set paper Hina dolls with written wishes afloat on the moat.
Rental Cycles
Explore Sagemon spots and unique tourist attractions like the Ariake Sea’s reclaimed lands with convenient rental cycles at ¥500 per day.
Locations:
• Yanagawa City Tourist Information Office (0944-74-0891, 35 Okinohata-machi, Yanagawa)
• Daito Enterprises (0944-72-7900, 18-9 Jogu-machi, Yanagawa)
Kyushu Live – Livestream
Yanagawa Overview (Mar. 26, 2023)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG3AB3rmNcg
Yanagawa Hina Festival Sagemon Tour (Feb. 14, 2022)
https://youtu.be/W3LfpU7UI6o
Join us for a cultural journey through Yanagawa’s storied Hina Festival, from enchanting water parades to exploring the city’s beauty on two wheels. Don’t miss out on the festivities that blend tradition with community spirit in the heart of Fukuoka Prefecture.
