The history of Hina Matsuri can be traced back to the imperial court of the Heian Period, when a ceremony praying for the sound health of young imperial girls was tied with their “hina-asobi” (playing with dolls) was then said to be established. This ceremony grew in extravagance during the Momoyama Period, but had spread to common folk by the time the Edo Period came about. The displaying of Hina Matsuri dolls is supposed to begin on the first day of spring, which, according to the old Japanese calendar is right after Setsubun (celebrated on February 3, which is the traditional end of the winter season. Since the old Japanese calendar considers the day after Setsubun as the “third month,” Hina Matsuri traditionally begins on this day until mid-April. This period is known as “Hina Matsuri season.”
Check out the list of the best Hina Matsuri festivals in Kyushu below!
Yoshii flourished as an inn town during the Edo Period and subsequently as a merchant down during the Meiji Period. Presently it is known as a retro-like town especially with the white plaster walls most establishments have, making visitors feel as if they’ve time-traveled to the past while walking around. Visitors can also take a tour around Yoshii in a rickshaw during Sundays! (JPY 500 per person.)
Chikugo Yoshii Ohinasama Meguri (Tour of Dolls)
This festival boasts of a display of over 10,000 Hina Matsuri dolls all over Iizuka City. This year’s theme is “The Best Sashiki Dolls and The Ancient Yukashiki Dolls Together.” Along with the festival, enjoy other sightseeing places such as the Former Residence of Ito Denemon, the main branch of sweet shop Chidoriya, and Kahogekijo Theater.
Chikuzen Izuka Hina no Matsuri
This festival boasts of a display of over 10,000 Hina Matsuri dolls all over Iizuka City. This year’s theme is “The Best Sashiki Dolls and The Ancient Yukashiki Dolls Together.” Along with the festival, enjoy other sightseeing places such as the Former Residence of Ito Denemon, the main branch of sweet shop Chidoriya, and Kahogekijo Theater.
Yame Bonbori (Paper Lantern) Festival
Yame, the town known for its Japan-famous high-quality green tea, is also known for being the birthplace of Japanese paper, paper lanterns, and the Buddhist altars seen in Japanese homes. About 100 private residences and stores around the whitewashed wall neighborhood in the Fukushima area display “Hakobina” (dolls in display cases) from the Edo and Meiji Eras (early 17th through early 20th centuries) and modern dolls; they also receive visitors.
