Main content starts here.
Foreign Languages > Chiba International Information Square - To foreign residents - > Chiba Nanohana News > Chiba Nanohana News (Past Issues) > Chiba Nanohana News (February 2024)
Update: February 14, 2024
Hinamatsuri, also known as the Doll Festival or Girls’ Day, is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on March 3 every year during which families pray for the health and happiness of their young daughters. Exquisite hina dolls, called “hina-ningyo” or “o-hina-sama” in Japanese, are displayed on tiered, red-carpeted platforms as decoration before and during the festival. Clothed in historical court garment from the Heian period, these dolls represent the Emperor and Empress along with their court attendants.
Hina dolls donated by people from all over Japan are displayed within the city during the Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri. Around 1000 dolls will be displayed along Katsuura Chuo Shopping Street, around 600 at Kakuoji Temple, and many more in other locations, brightening up the streets of Katsuura with the spirit of spring.
The most spectacular sight has to be at Tomisaki Shrine, where around 1800 hina dolls sit on every single one of the 60 stone steps. Each hina doll is charming as it is, but the massive number dolls in one place is sure to take your breath away. Don’t miss out on this rare sight! After the sun sets, see the hina dolls afresh in an enchanting light with the nighttime illumination.
These hina dolls have watched over their families’ daughters’ growth and blessed with them health. Now, they make up an indispensable part of spring in Katsuura, to be adored by visitors.
Nakayama is a popular and nostalgic temple town in Ichikawa City and home to the Nakayama O-hinamatsuri, an uplifting spring festival that decorates the town with hina dolls.
Over 70 locations in Nakayama are painstakingly decorated with hina dolls, including the impressive display in Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple and the 7-tiered platform filled with hina dolls at Shimosa Nakayama station (JR Sobu Line).
During this period, you will be able to fully enjoy the elegance of spring with events such as concerts and tea service at the temple. Rent a kimono for an unforgettable roam around the city. There is much to see, explore, and experience!
Over 150 hina dolls will be displayed on a platform spanning 7.2m wide!
Lined up, these donated, well-loved hina dolls are a sight to behold.