The Dolls Festival, or “Hina Matsuri” (also known as Peach Festival or Girls’ Day), is a cherished Japanese tradition celebrating the health and happiness of young girls. Hina dolls begin to grace homes and venues from around the start of spring (around February 4th), setting the stage for Dolls Festivals celebrated across various locales.
Originating from the playful doll interactions of young girls, the tradition of Hina doll display has evolved from a belief in their power to repel malevolent spirits, culminating in the practice of “floating the Hina dolls” (nagashi-bina) as surrogates for protection. This belief intertwined with the desire for young girls’ wellbeing, giving rise to the contemporary Hinamatsuri. Historically, the Edo period marked March 3rd as the Peach Festival, a day still honored with traditional foods like diamond-shaped rice cakes, white sake, scattered sushi, and clam soup.
Nowadays, the Hinamatsuri transcends familial and community bounds, emerging as a focal point for tourism. Localities proudly showcase their inherited Hina doll displays, fostering a collective celebration that extends throughout the region. Venturing through the Dolls Festivals in Fukuoka and across Kyushu during this season provides a unique glimpse into the essence of local cultures and the welcoming of spring.
Hina Matsuri Event in Fukuoka and Kyushu
Fukuoka Prefecture (6)
• Yanagawa City: Yanagawa Hina Matsuri & Sagemon Meguri
• Asakura City: Hina Meguri in the Ancient Capital Akizuki
• Ukiha City: Chikugo Yoshii Ohinasama Meguri
• Yame City: Yame Bonbori Matsuri
• Kitakyushu City: Mojiko Retro Hina Matsuri
• Iizuka City: Iizuka Hina Matsuri
Saga Prefecture (2)
• Saga City: Saga Castle Town Hina Matsuri
• Arita Town: Arita Hina no Yakimono Matsuri
Oita Prefecture (3)
• Kitsuki City: Kitsuki Castle Town Walk and Doll Tour
• Hita City: Tenryo Hita Ohina Matsuri
• Usuki City: Usuki Hina Meguri
Fukuoka Prefecture
Yanagawa Hina Matsuri & Sagemon Meguri
Yanagawa Hina Matsuri is renowned for the enchanting beauty of its traditional Hina doll decorations, known as “Sagemon.” These ornamental Sagemon, gifted to girls during their first Dolls Festival, are displayed not only in homes but also across tourist sites and shopping arcades. Visitors can embark on a delightful “Sagemon Tour,” easily navigated by following the vibrant pink flags.
On March 16th (Sunday), with a contingency plan for rain on March 20th, the “Hina Doll Water Parade” is a highlight, featuring elegantly dressed children and mothers in formal attire aboard donko boats. These boats gracefully navigate Yanagawa’s famous canal system, offering a picturesque parade that attracts numerous spectators, all keen to immortalize the graceful and festive scene with their cameras.
• 2/11 (Tue., hol.) ~ 4/3 (Fri.)
• Free (some venues charge entry fees)
• Yanagawa city area, Yanagawa Shopping Arcade and more (Official Map PDF)
• https://www.city.yanagawa.fukuoka.jp/kanko/meisho/2144.html
• Fukuoka Now – Yanagawa Hina Festival 2025 Special Page
Kyushu Live Livestream – Hina Doll Water Parade (Mar. 17, 2024)
https://www.youtube.com/live/-RxZcYhcIqw?si=MzGzF7llK6maeyMz
Hina Meguri in the Ancient Capital Akizuki
Akizuki, a historic town that once flourished as a castle town, retains its traditional charm with cultural landmarks such as the ruins of Akizuki Castle, historic gates, and preserved residences. During the Hina Doll Festival season, visitors can stroll through the town and enjoy the Hina Meguri celebration. A highlight of the event is the grand display of over 600 Hina dolls, donated by local residents, arranged on the 21 stone steps in front of the Nagaya Gate at the Akizuki Castle Ruins. Visitors are also welcome to join the daily setup of the Hina doll display, which begins at 9:30 each morning.
• 2/14 (Fri.) ~ 3/3 (Mon.)
*A display on the stone steps will be exhibited only on Sat., Sun., and hol., and on Feb. 14 and Mar. 3 from 10:00~16:00 (in case of rain, the exhibition will be cancelled)
• Free (some facilities require a fee)
• Nagayamon Gate of Akizuki Castle Ruins, the castle town of Akizuki (Akizuki, Asakura City / Akizukinotori) and more
• https://asakuraiku.jimdofree.com/
Chikugo Yoshii Ohinasama Meguri
In Ukiha City’s Yoshii Town, an extensive collection of Hina dolls, dating from the Edo period to contemporary times, is showcased to the public. This exhibition ranges from opulent decorations in historic homes to unique Hina dolls found in private residences. What sets the Dolls Festival in Yoshii Town apart is its embodiment of the people’s Hina dolls. These displays are enriched by “Okiage” – handcrafted decorative pieces made by local women, drawing inspiration from Hina dolls, Kabuki, and Ukiyo-e, arranged artistically around “Hako-bina” (boxed dolls). This event allows for a delightful exploration of the town’s charm, accentuated by its streets adorned with traditional white-walled storehouses, offering a memorable journey through the Dolls Festival.
• 2/11 (Tue., hol.) ~ 3/20 (Thu., hol.)
• 10:00~17:00
• Free entry
• Yoshii-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka (Ohinasama Meguri Official Map)
• https://chikugo-yoshiihina.com/
Yame Bonbori Matsuri
Yame, renowned across Kyushu for its doll craftsmanship, stands as a bastion of traditional arts. In the Dolls Festival season, Hina dolls grace over 100 venues, ranging from the historic townhouses on Shirakabe (white-walled) Street to residences and commercial areas, identifiable by peach-colored lanterns. While the local heritage boasts the quaint “Hako-bina,” square-boxed Hina dolls, the Yame Doll Hall showcases an array of stunningly opulent dolls, some of which were historically brought by the brides of the Tokugawa shogunate’s princesses. On February 16th, starting at 11:30 am, Fukushima Hachiman Shrine hosts a traditional wedding ceremony in twelve-layered kimonos and court attire. Furthermore, from March 1st to 2nd, the shrine’s approach comes alive with a market offering Yame’s finest sake and delicacies, celebrating the region’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.
• 2/16 (Sun.) ~ 3/16 (Sun.)
• 10:00~17:00
• Free entry
• Around the Yame Fukushima Shirakabe (white-walled building area) *Ohinasama Meguri Official Map
• https://www.city.yame.fukuoka.jp/kanko/kankouseason/winter/
Mojiko Retro Hina Matsuri
Within the Moji Port Retro District, the historical essence of Japan’s past is celebrated through the display of Hina dolls from different eras. At the former Moji Customs House, visitors can admire Hina decorations dating back to the Meiji era, encapsulating the elegance of that time. Meanwhile, the Sankiro offers a glimpse into the Showa and Taisho eras with its collection of Hina dolls, each set reflecting the distinctive periods of these historical buildings. Additionally, the Sakae-machi Gintengai and other areas within the Retro District further enrich the festive atmosphere with their own displays of Hina dolls, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of Moji.
• 2/1 (Sat.) ~ 3/9 (Sun.)
• Free entry
• Sankiro (Closed: Mon.), Old Moji Customs, Sakae-machi Gintengai and Mojiko Retro District facilities
• https://www.mojiko.info/event/info/
Iizuka Hina Matsuri
Once a post town and later a thriving coal mining hub during the Meiji era, Iizuka City now showcases its history and charm through a unique hina doll exhibition. The main venue is the Former Residence of Denemon Ito, a coal baron’s historic home and a National Important Cultural Property. Visitors can admire an extraordinary display of hina dolls, including Japan’s largest “Zashiki Hina” arrangement, spread across a 20-mat tatami room. This year’s theme, “Refined Dreams of Edo,” captures the vibrant and elegant culture of the Edo period. Hina doll displays can also be enjoyed at 15 locations throughout the city.
• 2/1 (Sat.) ~ 3/21 (Fri.) *Times vary by venue. Check the official web page.
• Venues: 15 venues incl. Old Residence of Ito Denemon, Iizuka City Historical Museum and Iizuka City Central Shopping Street
• Iizuka City, Fukuoka
• https://kankou-iizuka.jp/event_124/
Saga Prefecture
Saga Castle Town Hina Matsuri
In the town of Saga, several venues are showing off hina dolls that date all the way back to the Meiji Period. View dolls wearing costumes made from Saga nishiki (a form of brocading technique from Saga Prefecture) and dolls wearing costumes bearing the Nabeshima family’s signature pattern, Nabeshima komon. In the town, the road Nagasaki Kaido gained the nickname “Sugar Road” because it was used to transport sugar throughout the country; this led to many confectioners setting up shop along the road. On Sat., Sun., and holidays during the period, a bus service is available every 20 min. (¥160 for adults, ¥80 for children).
• 2/8 (Sat.) ~ 3/9 (Sun.)
• 10:00~17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Some venues charge entry fees (circuit ticket ¥1,000), free for JHS and under
• Yanagimachi Area, Matsubara Area, Saga Castle History Museum (Official Google Map)
• https://saga-hinamatsuri.jp/
Arita Hina no Yakimono Matsuri
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.
• 2/8 (Sat.) ~ 3/9 (Sun.)
• Free entry
• Various places in Arita Town, Arita Kan, Arita Será and more (Official Map PDF)
• https://www.arita.jp/event/hinamatsuri/
Oita Prefecture
Kitsuki Castle Town Walk and Doll Tour
Kitsuki, a picturesque castle town steeped in Edo period ambiance, is celebrated for its distinctive “sandwich” urban structure, with samurai residences perched atop the northern and southern hills and merchants’ homes nestled within the valley. This architectural harmony sets the stage for the town-wide display of diverse Hina dolls in over 31 venues, including Kitsuki Castle and the samurai residence. A unique cultural incentive encourages visitors to don traditional Japanese attire by offering free admission to public cultural and tourism facilities. Furthermore, with kimono rental services readily available (provided by Warakuan), many guests seize the opportunity to stroll through Kitsuki in traditional dress, deeply engaging with the town’s rich heritage and historical beauty.
• 2/15 (Sat.) ~ 3/16 (Sun.)
• Free entry (some venues charge entry fees)
• Kitsuki Castle Town area, Oita (Official Google Map)
• https://sites.google.com/kit-suki.com/hiinameguri-fy2024/
Tenryo Hita Ohina Matsuri
During the Edo period, Hita was one of first towns in Kyushu to flourish, and this is reflected in the luxurious Edo-period hina dolls still being displayed today. Most of the venues are located in the Mameda-machi and Kuma-machi areas, and a must-see spot is Kusano Honke (a nationally designated Important Cultural Property). Look out for the elegant okiage! On Mar. 2 (Sun.) between 10:00 and 14:00, take part in Mameda Nagashibina at Keirinso Park: write a wish on a kamibina (paper doll) and send it down the river to purify yourself.
草野本家のお雛様
• 2/15 (Sat.) ~ 3/31 (Mon.) *venues vary by date
• Free entry (some venues charge entry fees)
• Mameda-machi area and Kuma area, Hita City, Oita and more
• https://ohina.oidehita.com/
Usuki Hina Meguri
During the Tenpo Reforms (1841-43), the Usuki Domain was marked by a mandate for simplicity and thrift, permitting only the decoration of paper Hina dolls. In such a period, predecessors likely adorned their homes with these paper dolls, praying for the safe and healthy growth of their children. While the traditional techniques of their creation have been lost to time, the “Usuki Hina” dolls were reborn in spring 2006, crafted by community volunteers drawing inspiration from the standing Hina dolls, which are seen as the original form of today’s Hina dolls. Throughout the festival, these handcrafted Usuki Hina dolls are showcased across four venues, continuing the legacy of celebrating children’s well-being and growth with creativity and community spirit.
• 2/7 (Fri.) ~ 3/9 (Sun.)
• Free entry
• Usuki Tourism and Community Plaza, Sala de Usuki, Kuge no Okura, Former Shinkoji Temple (Hina Meguri Map)
• https://www.usuki-kanko.com/archives/19911
NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in February 2017.
Originally written in February 2017, updated Feb. 2025.
Copyright Fukuoka Now – including all text, photos and illustrations. Permission required to re-use in any form. Meanwhile, feel free to link to to this page.
