Although it is still chilly in the mornings and evenings, we have entered a season where we can gradually feel the arrival of spring during the day.
In Tamashima, Kurashiki City, the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) is being held this year (2026) at the Old Yunoki House (Saiso-tei) in conjunction with the Peach Festival. Many cute hina dolls are displayed in the historic building, filling the interior with a vibrant spring atmosphere.
Here is an introduction to the Hina Matsuri at Saiso-tei.
What is the Hina Matsuri at Saiso-tei?
The Hina Matsuri at Saiso-tei is an annual event held at the Old Yunoki House (Saiso-tei) in Tamashima, Kurashiki City, in conjunction with the Peach Festival. It was held from February 21 to March 8, 2026, as part of the 23rd Kurashiki Hina Meguri.
Saiso-tei is also known as the place where Kumada Ataka, celebrated as the "Benefactor of Tamashima" for saving Tamashima from the ravages of war during the late Edo period, took his own life.
Normally, the residence has a dignified atmosphere reminiscent of a samurai house, but during the Hina Matsuri, many hina dolls are displayed, enveloping the interior in a vibrant and soft spring air.
Passing through the Onarimon Gate into the world of Hina Matsuri
Outside the residence, there is a magnificent gate called the Onarimon Gate.
Normally closed to all but those of high status, during the event period, visitors can enter through this Onarimon Gate and experience the feeling of being a lord.
Upon passing through the gate, the first thing that catches the eye is the splendid hina dolls displayed in the ceremonial room. The reception area is open to the outside, welcoming visitors with the vibrant hina dolls.
As you enter the main room from the entrance, you will find a variety of cute decorations such as hina daruma, temari, and handballs displayed on the platform at the entrance. A tapestry of hina dolls is also hung, creating an atmosphere that seems to celebrate spring.
In the main room, many hina dolls are lined up, as if they are all celebrating the Peach Festival together. Visitors were admiring each doll and accessory closely.
Nostalgic hina dolls gather
As you enter the residence, you will see hina dolls lined up on a tiered platform covered with a red cloth.
The dolls displayed this year are mainly from the Showa era.
Among the many hina dolls, the ones in the ceremonial display particularly catch the eye. Within the splendid palace, elegant dolls sit quietly. A refined atmosphere pervades, and one can almost hear the sounds of the sho (Japanese wind instrument) and hichiriki (a type of flute).
Normally, the tokonoma (alcove) displays writings related to Kumada Ataka, but during the Hina Matsuri, hina dolls are also displayed here. The hanging scroll features a painting of hina dolls.
This hanging scroll is from the Taisho era. While the colors are subdued, the characters depicted have a sense of movement, sparking the imagination about their relationships.
Enjoying matcha experience in the tea room
After enjoying the hina dolls, visitors can also enjoy matcha in the tea room.
It costs 500 yen, including sweets.
On the tray, there is a tea bowl with matcha, sweets, and a tea whisk. Visitors can experience making matcha themselves using the tea whisk.
This "matcha experience" started in 2026.
It was implemented during the excursion of the "Japan Heritage Festival in Kurashiki" held in 2025, and due to its popularity, it was decided to be held during this year's Hina Matsuri as well.
The sweets include "Takasenbune yokan" and colorful, cute konpeito (sugar candy). While reminiscing about the Takase boats that traveled along the Takahashi River from Tamashima Port, I slowly savored the matcha I made myself.
Conclusion
The "Hina Matsuri at Saiso-tei," held in a historic residence, is one of the events that signal the arrival of spring in Tamashima.
As I gazed at the nostalgic hina dolls lined up throughout the main room and the vibrant ceremonial display, I felt a warm sense of nostalgia. Normally, Saiso-tei has a dignified atmosphere, but during this season, it is enveloped in a soft spring air, and the expressions of the visitors seemed to naturally brighten.
After enjoying the hina dolls, visitors can also experience making matcha in the tea room, allowing for a leisurely time.
The "Hina Matsuri at Saiso-tei," where one can feel the history and seasonal charm of Tamashima, is an event worth visiting next spring.
Data on the Hina Matsuri at Saiso-tei
| Name | Hina Matsuri at Saiso-tei |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 21 (Saturday) to March 8 (Sunday), 2026 |
| Location | 3-8-25 Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Old Yunoki House (Saiso-tei) |
