Hina Matsuri: The Peach Blossom Festival

Peach Festival, also known as Girls’ Day, is a traditional Japanese event to wish for the healthy growth of girls.

History and origin
The origins of Peach Festival can be traced back to the ancient Chinese purification ceremony known as Kamisno-Sekku. In Japan, the festival became popular among the nobility from the Heian period (794-1185), and through playing with dolls, it was transformed into an event to ward off bad luck and wish for the happiness of girls.

Culture and tradition
Traditionally, Hina dolls are displayed and special foods such as hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes), white sake and chirashi-zushi (sushi rice balls) are served on Peach Festival. Hina dolls, which are made in the shape of the emperor or empress, court nobles or samurai, symbolise the girl’s future happiness. In recent years, various types of dolls have been introduced, including modern designs and character dolls.

[Saitama Prefecture] Konosu Surprising Doll Festival
[Dates] 16 Feb (Fri) – 9 Mar (Sat), 2024.

Kounosu City in Saitama Prefecture is famous for its雛人形 (hina dolls) with a 380-year history. Every year around this time, amazing雛壇 (hina doll displays) appear all over the city.

The main venue is “Elmi Kounosu” next to Kounosu Station, where you can see the tallest pyramid雛壇 in Japan! It has 31 tiers and is 7 meters tall.

It’s a truly breathtaking sight that will leave you stunned!

エルミこうのす

LINKs
The following websites provide information on the Doll Festival throughout Japan.