March 3rd is Hina Matsuri, a festival where dolls are displayed to wish for the healthy growth and happiness of girls.
The origin of Hina Matsuri dates back to the mid-Heian period.
It is said to have developed from a purification ceremony held at the beginning of March to wish for good health, combined with a play called "Hii-na Asobi," which was popular among upper-class girls, involving pretend play.
The "Kurashiki Hina Meguri" that fills Kurashiki with Hina dolls was held.
What is the "20th Kurashiki Hina Meguri"?
The "20th Kurashiki Hina Meguri" is being held from February 25 to March 12, 2023, where you can enjoy various Hina dolls displayed throughout the town.
▼ The event takes place in the following five areas of Kurashiki City.
- Kurashiki
- Mabi
- Mizushima
- Kojima
- Tamashima
In addition to the above areas, the unique Hina dolls of each area, such as those in uniform in Kojima, are also highlights.
Each area is also hosting several special events, so please check the "Kurashiki Hina Meguri homepage" for details.
I visited the Hina Meguri in the Kurashiki area
I visited the Kurashiki area.
With the flyer in hand, I toured around the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki.
In the Kurashiki area, you can enjoy not only the display of Hina dolls but also dishes inspired by Hina.
Since the day I visited was a holiday, it was bustling with many tourists.
Among the tourists, there were many people walking with flyers and taking photos of the Hina dolls, indicating that they were visiting the "Kurashiki Hina Meguri."
There were facilities where you could only see the Hina dolls if you entered the store, but many facilities have displays at their entrances.
Here are a few places that caught my attention.
Shinkei-en Garden
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first exhibition in two years since 2021 at Shinkei-en Garden.
In the 56-tatami mat Japanese room, about 30 sets of Hina dolls are displayed.
The venue features Hina dolls from the Meiji era to the present, allowing you to feel the flow of history.
Shinkei-en was built in 1893 as a villa for the first president of KURABO INDUSTRIES LTD., Ohara Koshiro, and is now also used as a place for citizens to relax.
Please enjoy the charming Shinkei-en along with the Hina dolls.
Hashimaya
Hashimaya is located a little away from the center of the Bikan Historical Area.
According to the shop staff, this Hina doll, which has been passed down since the Meiji era, is called "Genji-waku Hina."
The roof has been removed for better visibility, and on both sides are women called "Waki-onna."
In the Edo period, it is said that the name was given because the roofless state resembled the open-air stalls in the "Tale of Genji" picture scroll.
The "Genji-waku Hina" is said to be rare, and this was the only place where I saw it among the Hina dolls in the Kurashiki area.
Conclusion
The "Kurashiki Hina Meguri" has reached its 20th edition in 2023.
The displayed Hina dolls looked so beautiful that they seemed like they were made many years ago, but according to the people displaying the Hina dolls, the damage is increasing year by year.
I also have a seven-tiered display at home, and I think it is truly difficult to preserve them in such good condition.
I encourage you to take this opportunity to see the Hina dolls filled with history and the feelings of their owners.
Data for the 20th Kurashiki Hina Meguri
| Name | 20th Kurashiki Hina Meguri |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 25 to March 12, 2023 |
| Location | Five areas of Kurashiki City |
| Homepage | 20th Kurashiki Hina Meguri |
