Hina dolls decorated with various feelings.
Kasaoka Hina Meguri features hina dolls that have been passed down in households, gathered and displayed at various stores.
I learned that they were being displayed around Kasaoka Station and decided to visit.
The information provided is based on data as of April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Overview of Kasaoka Hina Meguri
Kasaoka Hina Meguri is an annual event organized by the executive committee. This year marks the 8th edition.
Various hina dolls are displayed at 32 locations throughout the shopping district in front of Kasaoka Station and various places in Kasaoka City, and during the event, a stamp rally is held where local specialties can be won.
You can enjoy a leisurely hina tour while strolling through the streets of Kasaoka.
At each venue, workshops for doll-making and fortune-telling experiences are available.
The event was held from February 17 (Saturday) to March 4 (Sunday), 2024.
Hina Doll Display at Kasaoka Central Shopping Street
There are 32 venues for the hina meguri, but I first aimed for the central shopping street in front of Kasaoka Station.
Kasaoka Community Development Gathering Place
At the Kasaoka Community Development Gathering Place, various sizes of hina dolls and colorful hina dolls made from origami are displayed.
Works from local kindergartens and nursery schools are also on display, allowing us to see creations made by children.
Additionally, beautifully colorful hina dolls made from origami are lined up, providing a visual delight.
Each store has a stamp rally station set up, where you can collect stamps on a provided sheet, and if you collect 14 stamps, you can enter a lottery for a set of local specialties.
Baby Child Daikokuya
Next, I went to "Baby Child Daikokuya" located on Chuo Street.
Hina dolls were displayed in the showcase at the front of the store.
Small hina dolls in shells
One that was particularly impressive was a very small hina doll in a shell.
This was the first time I had seen a hina doll of this size.
The kimono was very finely attached, and a small torii gate was also painted inside the shell.
It seems that a friend of someone from "Baby Child Daikokuya" brought it in and wanted to have it displayed.
Tsurushi Hina
Tsurushi hina is displayed with the wish that "one will not have to worry about clothing, food, and shelter."
This tsurushi hina features birds and cherry blossoms made from old cloth such as chirimen, hung in order on strings, adding a vibrant touch to the display.
It seems that a neighbor made it for the hina meguri.
Fruit Shop Nishijima
Next, I went to "Fruit Shop Nishijima," which is located two corners to the left from Kasaoka Station.
Inside the store, sarubobo was on display.
Sarubobo was used as a talisman for children during the Edo period. In the Hida dialect, "sarubobo" means baby monkey.
A 100-year-old woman made the main body, and her daughter-in-law made the clothes, so it seems to be a collaborative effort.
Since it is made by someone of such longevity, just looking at it brings good fortune and energy.
The store also sells juice and light meals, as well as matcha prepared by the owner.
In line with the season, they are selling "Strawberry and Apple Cherry Blossom Smoothie," which I decided to try.
It had a gentle spring flavor, and I highly recommend it as a refreshing drink during your stroll.
There was also a fortune-telling, where high school students from Kasaoka High School wrote down encouraging words with a brush, which were very meaningful.
I drew the words "Everything except death is a scratch."
The price starts from a heartfelt 10 yen.
From the Writer
Kasaoka Hina Meguri is supported by the warm feelings of the shop owners.
The display of hina dolls is a wish for the health and well-being of loved ones and family, and I felt that the same sentiment was shared by those who come to visit.
At each store, there are creative displays with the intention of wanting people to see the hina dolls.
How about taking a moment to reflect on the feelings of those who display them and those who created them while thinking about the hina dolls?
8th Kasaoka Hina Meguri 2024 Information
| Name | The 8th Kasaoka Hina Meguri 2024 |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 17 to March 4, 2024 |
| Location | Various locations in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Homepage | Matatabi Kasaoka. [Kasaoka Tourism Federation] |
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