How to Celebrate Hinamatsuri in Tokyo in 2024
Hinamatsuri, also known as Girl’s Day, is a cherished Japanese tradition celebrated on March 3rd every year. This tradition dates back to the Edo period and involves displaying intricate dolls representing an emperor, empress and their courtiers from the Heian era, symbolizing prayers for girls’ happiness and prosperity. In this guide, you will learn about some events where you can celebrate Hinamatsuri in Tokyo. From viewing stunning Hinamatsuri displays to indulging in traditional treats, you can celebrate this traditional holiday in many ways in the heart of Tokyo. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the bustling city, you will find ways to delve into the rich heritage and modern twists of Hinamatsuri celebrations in Tokyo by following this guide. For easy access to these celebrations, why not stay at one of our hotels conveniently located throughout central Tokyo?
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Hyakudan Hinamatsuri Exhibition
The Hyakudan Hinamatsuri Exhibition, held for the first time in four years, will showcase a large collection of beautiful Hinamatsuri dolls at the historic Hotel Gajoen Tokyo’s Hyakudan Kaidan, or “The Hundred Stairs.” Each room presents different scenes featuring Hina dolls, ranging from traditional to contemporary interpretations. The exhibit, which runs from January 20th to March 10th, attracts many visitors, with advanced ticket purchase recommended due to its popularity. While photography is restricted in most areas during the festival, the opportunity to witness this cultural spectacle is not-to-miss, making it a must-see event for all.
- Pre-purchased tickets cost 1400 yen
- 1600 yen for a ticket on the day
- 1000 yen for university and high school students
- 600 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Price: 1400 yen for pre-purchased tickets, 1600 yen on the day, 1000 yen for university and high school students, 600 yen for junior high school and elementary school students
Period: January 20 – March 10
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Hina-sama of the Mitsui family
Announcing the arrival of spring in Nihonbashi, the “Mitsui Family’s Hina Dolls” exhibition gathers cherished hina dolls and utensils once treasured by the Mitsui family’s wives and daughters. Spanning three generations, the exhibition showcases items formerly owned by Motoko, wife of Takamune, the tenth generation head of the Kita Mitsui family; Toshiko, wife of Lord Takaku, the 11th generation; Hisako Asano, Takaku’s only daughter; and Okiko, wife of Takacho, the ninth generation of the Isarago Mitsui family. Galleries 6 and 7 spotlight newly donated paintings, crafts, and dolls from recent years, including those from the Maruhei Oki Doll Store, deepening the connection between the Mitsui family and the world of refined artistry.
Price: 1500 yen for adults, 1000 yen for university and high school students, free for junior high school and elementary school students
Period: February 10 to April 7
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“Enjoy Hinamatsuri at the Hotel – Prayers for Children in Japanese Patterns”
Annually, the lobby on the 3rd floor of Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku hosts an exhibition for Hinamatsuri. The displayed decorations include precious traditional Hina doll tiered platforms and the “Hanging Decorations of Antique Silk Fabrics” created specifically for display at Keio Plaza Hotel. Crafted with valuable antique silk fabrics and meticulously hand-sewn, these decorations amount to approximately 4,500 pieces. Each hanging decoration carries prayers for children’s health and growth, with each intricate detail holding symbolic meaning. The flowers symbolize cuteness, the balls signify energy, and the goldfish represent warding off evil spirits. In collaboration with Kanagawa Prefecture, Odawara Hakone Traditional Parquet Cooperative, Traditional Odawara Lacquerware Cooperative and the Traditional Kamakura Carving Cooperative, they will display many traditional crafts from various regions.
Price: Free
Period: February 3 – March 31
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Yoshitoku Hina Display
Yoshitoku, founded in 1711, is a renowned doll shop located in Asakusabashi. Every year, the Asakusabashi main store’s 4th floor hosts an exhibition room. For Hinamatsuri the exhibition will include a display of valuable Hina dolls, accessories, literature and ukiyo-e from the Edo period to the Showa era. The intricate craftsmanship of the small accessories is captivating, drawing visitors into a state of fascination. For those considering purchasing hina dolls in 2023, this presents an excellent opportunity to research various styles and preferences. The Yoshitoku Collection has been listed as a tangible folk cultural asset of Taito Ward. Yoshitoku X is a collection of dolls and literature compiled by the tenth generation Yoshitoku, Yamada Tokubei (1896-1983), a prominent figure in the doll industry and a leading expert on Japanese doll studies. This collection includes valuable documents essential for understanding Japanese doll history and the history of Edo-Tokyo. Yoshitoku aims to preserve and utilize these materials appropriately and welcomes inquiries from researchers, media, and those interested in borrowing to museums. Until March 3rd, they are hosting the “Hina Doll Exhibition,” showcasing related materials such as hina dolls, accessories, literature, and ukiyo-e from the Edo period to the Showa era. The exhibition is open from January 27th to March 3rd, from 10:00 to 17:00, on the 4th floor of the Asakusabashi main store, Yoshitoku Collection Exhibition Room, with free admission.
Price: Free
Period: January 27 – March 3
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hinamatsuri Purification
Tokyo Daijingu Shrine will hold a “Hinamatsuri Purification” event on March 3rd. The ceremony, conducted by priests, will aim to pray for the health and fulfillment of girls. Unfortunately, participation in the ritual is not open to the public. While attending the event isn’t possible, you can purchase items to protect your fortune. “Hinamatsuri ema” will be available for wishes to be inscribed upon from February 4 to March 3. After writing wishes, visitors can place the ema in the shrine’s donation box, symbolizing their heartfelt prayers. No reservation is required; simply register between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the event, with a suggested donation of 2500 yen. After the festival, special souvenirs such as “hina-mamori” will be sold.
Price: Free
Period: March 3 (ema sold from February 4 to March 3)
Hours: 3:30 p.m.~
Komorebi Village Hinamatsuri
At the National Showa Memorial Park, Hina dolls are displayed in the cottages and farmhouses of Komorebi Village, symbolizing prayers for girls’ health and growth. Please note that on Mondays, designated as maintenance days for the farmhouses, the Hina dolls will not be on display. It’s an exciting opportunity to see the luxurious seven-tiered Hina dolls. These Hina dolls are adorned in hopes for the safe growth of girls, enhancing the charm of the cottages and farmhouses in Komorebi Village.
Price: 450 yen for adults, free for junior high school and elementary school students
Period: February 10 – March 3
Hours: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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