March 3rd is "Girls' Festival"

March 3rd is Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day).
In Japan, Hina Matsuri is also known as "Peach Festival" and is an important traditional event to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls. It is also a very attractive event for foreigners who are interested in Japanese culture.
This time, we will introduce the origins of Hinamatsuri, how to enjoy it, and some tips on how to easily experience it even for foreigners.

What is Hinamatsuri? Its origin and history
Hinamatsuri is said to have originated from a custom called "Joshi no Sekku" that was introduced from China. During the Heian period, people would transfer their own impurities to paper dolls and let them float down the river to ward off evil spirits, a custom known as "Nagashibina." Later, a game using dolls called "Hina-asobi" spread among the nobility, and during the Edo period it developed into the current custom of "displaying Hina dolls."

【【How to enjoy Hinamatsuri】
1. Displaying Hina dolls
When we talk about Hinamatsuri, we think of beautiful Hina dolls.
In Japanese homes, dolls are displayed on "hinadan" (tiered platform) from around mid-February.

2. Enjoy special Hinamatsuri foods
For Hinamatsuri, there are special foods that are colorful and cute.
Hina Arare: Colorful rice snacks (sweet and salty)Hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cake): Three-color rice cakes in pink, white, and green
Chirashizushi: Colorful sushi perfect for celebrations
Shirozake (white sake) and Amazake (sweet sake): A traditional Japanese drink that is slightly sweet and easy to drink

In particular, Hina Arare and Amazake are easy for foreigners to eat and are recommended as souvenirs.

3. Participate in Hinamatsuri events
Events related to Hinamatsuri are held all over Japan.
"Nagashi Hina" Experience(Dolls made of paper and wood are released into the river)
Hinamatsuri Parade(Enjoy wearing a kimono)
Hinamatsuri Workshop(Making Hina dolls with origami)
For foreign visitors, the kimono experience and workshops are sure to be fun and memorable!

Hinamatsuri is a wonderful event where you can enjoy Japanese traditions.
We encourage everyone to experience Japanese culture by viewing the Hina dolls, eating delicious Hinamatsuri food, and participating in the events.