In Yanagawa, a girl’s first Hina Festival is an important occasion. Sagemon are hung next to the doll stand, and a big celebration is held to pray for the child’s health. The tradition began at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), when people who had baby girls began making decorations from cloth scraps and hanging them on either side of the doll stand. In Yanagawa, each sagemon has 49 (7×7) decorations (seven is a lucky number), which are often in the shape of auspicious creatures, such as rabbits and cranes. Nowadays, when spring draws near, everyone in town hangs the colorful sagemon in their homes and shops, making for a sight to behold. And Mar. 9 and 10 is Yanagawa Kimono Day—when almost everyone in town dons a kimono! Visitors who arrive in town wearing a kimono can enjoy several perks.
• 2/11 (Mon., hol.) ~ 4/3 (Wed.) *3/9 (Sat.), 3/10 (Sun.) Kimono Day
• Viewing spots have pink flags outside
• Yanagawa City, Fukuoka
• Sagemon sightseeing map PDF
Read more on Yanagawa Hina Festival here.
