Hina Matsuri Girls Day Festival in Hita, Oita

How have the last of winter been treating you? For the past few weeks, Oita has seen some unexpected frosty weather transition beautifully into the arms of springtime, with erupting plum blossoms and t-shirt-weather temperatures reaching every corner of the prefecture. And it has come just in time, with the Hina Matsuri Girls Day celebrations just around the corner. On March 3rd, private homes set up Emperor and Empress dolls, along with other court nobles, and displayed on special step-altars to celebrate and pray for girls’ health and happiness throughout the nation. While this is normally celebrated on one day, the Tenryo Hita Doll Festival in Hita City runs from February 15th to March 31st, showcasing some truly splendid collections of Hina dolls for you to appreciate for more than one day.

At Kusano Honke, this old wax merchant’s residence houses a rare collection of wooden Hina dolls made in Hita city. Rooms are situated around the inner courtyard, and you can browse through old living quarters, garden statues before you reach their featured display of Hina doll family heirlooms.

Next door is the Hina Tenryo Hita Museum with a temporary exhibit of “Okiage Hina” figures made from paper and fabric used to decorate the household.

Perhaps the most impressive collection of Hina dolls is at Tenryo Hina Goten. Tucked away behind the exterior miso and soy sauce store is an extraordinary collection of 3,500 antique Hina dolls from the early 1700s. This collection includes the largest Hina doll in all of Japan and some modern interpretations of Hina dolls (think Hello Kitty and Disney). There’s also a room full of intricately designed miniature furniture pieces and household items that will have your inner child jumping for joy while you take in the breathtaking craftsmanship in each piece. Tenryo Hina Goten is open all year round, meaning you don’t have to wait for the next Hina Matsuri festival to appreciate this fine collection of Hina dolls.

We very much hope you’ll be able to enjoy this spring season wherever you are and hope to welcome you to Oita when travel is possible again!

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au