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Tour of Hina Dolls in Echigo
The tour of dolls handed down through generations is an early spring feature in Niigata.
The adorable Hina dolls represent the warm hospitality of the locals.
Gracious and heartwarming encounters await you.
What is the Hina Festival in Japan?
In Japan, March 3 has been called Joshi or Momo No Sekku since ancient times, and there has been a custom of casting dolls adrift in the river to dispel misfortunes. This custom developed into the modern-day Hina Festival to pray for the health and happiness of girls by setting up Hina dolls in homes.
Castle Town Murakami Townhouse Tour of Dolls (Murakami City)
Visit dolls in townhouses for a heartwarming interaction with the people
Dolls of various kinds including Hina dolls, samurai dolls and Daikokusama (god of wealth) dolls passed down through generations will be set up for display in about seventy townhouses. Many of the visitors who have been to the event several times say that they pay a visit in hopes of speaking to a particular old lady. One of the great appeals of the event is the interaction with the people of Murakami through the dolls.
Enjoy a stroll through town, touring the old townhouses in Murakami City and the dolls that are displayed in them. It is a popular event that attracts 100,000 visitors and the event will be in its 10th year in 2009.
| (Venue) | The old Chonin-cho in Murakami District, Murakami City |
|---|---|
| (Period) | Sunday 3 March – Friday 3 April |
| (Hours) | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| (Cost) | Free |
※Opening period and hours differ by shop.
Mikuni Kaido Shiozawajuku Hina Yukimi Kazari (Minamiuonuma City)
Feel the softly advancing steps of spring while admiring the snow and the dolls
Shiozawa is a snow country that is completely covered in snow in winter. In the last few years, an old fashion covered alley has been reproduced in Makino Street in the city. A covered alley is a design unique to a snow country for it allows people to walk under the eaves when it is snowing. The event was suggested by local women who wanted visitors to stroll down the atmospheric street on which the eaves and the vestige of the old trail were reproduced viewing the Hina dolls and the snow.
| (Venue) | In and around Makino Street, Shiozawa, Minamiuonuma City |
|---|---|
| (Period) | Saturday 21 February – Sunday 22 March |
| (Hours) | 09:30 – 16:00 |
| (Cost) | Free (500yen Makino Museum) |
Hina Dolls of Ryotsu / Treasures Tour (Sado City)
A journey of appreciating the old treasures of the seaport Ryotsu
Approximately fifty shops and hotels and six ryokan inns in Ryotsu shopping district participate to exhibit treasures and Hina dolls of various types such as old fashion Hina dolls, Bunya dolls and the plaque of Reikichi Kita. During the event, Hina Festival Bento (booking required) will be on offer and tea ceremonies and a stamp rally are due to be held.
| (Venue) | Ryotsu District, Sado City |
|---|---|
| (Period) | Saturday 28 February – Sunday 22 March |
| (Hours) | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| (Cost) | Free |
Sadokoku Aikawa Hina Festival (Sado City)
Head for Sado in early spring where homely hospitality awaits
Visitors enjoy the homely hospitality of the locals. This year, we are planning a tea ceremony and Kimono-dressing show and we hope to see you there.
| (Venue) | Aikawa District, Sado City |
|---|---|
| (Period) | Saturday 28 February – Sunday 22 March |
| (Hours) | 10:00 17:00 |
| (Cost) | Free |