What is Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival? Celebrating Girls' Growth and Traditional Customs

Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese celebration held annually on March 3rd, wishing for the healthy growth of girls.

The origins trace back to the Heian period, when it began as a play ritual among noble children, known as “Hiina-asobi.”

Originally, dolls made of paper or clay were used in a ceremony to ward off misfortune.

Over time, this practice evolved into the “Nagashi-bina” ritual, where dolls were floated down rivers to carry away misfortunes.

By the Edo period, the custom of displaying hina dolls to celebrate had become established.
These dolls were recognized as symbols of happiness and health for girls, especially within samurai families.

Gradually, elaborate doll displays became popular, and it became customary for households to display hina dolls.

The number of dolls and the arrangement style vary by region, with the five-tier display being common in Kanto and the seven-tier display in Kansai.

Today, Hinamatsuri is still widely celebrated across Japan, though the styles and arrangements of hina dolls have evolved over time.

Compact and space-saving decorations, along with modernly designed hina dolls, are especially popular.
Amidst these changes, the fundamental spirit of Hinamatsuri—to pray for the “growth and happiness of girls”—remains constant, as it has throughout the ages.

The reason Hinamatsuri became established as “Girls' Day” is deeply rooted in its origins.

Originally, Hinamatsuri was one of the five seasonal festivals called “Joushi no Sekku,”
a purification ritual introduced from ancient China.

In this festival, dolls made from paper or clay were floated down rivers to remove impurities,
and people prayed for a year of health and happiness.

When this custom arrived in Japan, it gradually evolved into a celebration of children’s health,
eventually becoming a day especially dedicated to the growth of girls.

In Japan, “Hiina-asobi,” a form of doll play dating back to the Heian period, became popular among the nobility,
and this eventually became the origin of Hinamatsuri.

This play symbolized not only the wish for children’s growth but also the hope for peaceful family life.

As a result, the tradition of Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival, praying for the health and happiness of girls,
became deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Today, Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival is not only a day to celebrate girls’ growth,
but also a seasonal event that families can enjoy together.

For example, families can display hina dolls together or celebrate by sharing traditional dishes,
providing an opportunity to strengthen family bonds.

In this way, Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival is widely cherished as
“a day for the whole family to support and celebrate girls’ growth.”

While the proper way to display Hina dolls can vary slightly by region and family traditions, there are general guidelines to follow.

Hina doll displays typically come in two styles: the “Prince and Princess” display and the “tiered display.”

The Prince and Princess display centers around the Emperor (Odairi-sama) and Empress (Ohina-sama) dolls,
while the tiered display adds other dolls such as the three court ladies, five musicians, and additional attendants arranged in a specific order.

On the first (top) tier, the Emperor and Empress dolls are placed.

Generally, the Emperor is positioned on the right side when viewed from the front, and the Empress on the left.

Next, the three court ladies are arranged on the second tier,
followed by five musician dolls with instruments on the third tier.

The fourth tier is for the attendants (guards), and the fifth and lower tiers feature servants and other ceremonial items.

The more tiers a display has, the more elaborate it becomes, which is why tiered displays are often chosen for special years.

A key tip when arranging the display is to “consider the overall balance.”

Adjust the position and height of each doll for the best visual effect.

Handle each doll with care, especially older ones that may be fragile.

Recently, simpler and space-saving Prince and Princess displays, as well as more modern designs, have become popular,
allowing families to choose a style that best fits their lifestyle.

A key traditional dish for Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival is chirashizushi.

Chirashizushi is a vibrant and colorful dish, perfect for the celebratory mood of Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival.

Each ingredient carries symbolic meaning:
shrimp represents “longevity,” lotus root symbolizes “a clear and insightful life,” and beans signify “diligence.”

Together, chirashizushi is a dish filled with wishes for a girl’s growth and happiness.

Another essential food is hishimochi, a multi-layered, diamond-shaped rice cake in red, white, and green.

Each color has a special meaning: red wards off evil, white symbolizes purity, and green represents health.

The combination of these colors is a prayer for the health and happiness of girls.

Additionally, clam soup (hamaguri ushio-jiru) is another must-have dish for Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival.

The clam shells, which fit together perfectly, symbolize “marital harmony,” expressing the wish for a girl to find a good partner in the future.

Preparing these dishes together as a family can make for a memorable Hinamatsuri celebration.

Hina Arare is a traditional sweet that is essential for Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival.

The origin of hina arare lies in the idea of “taking the dolls outside and enjoying the spring breeze,”
and there are different variations between the Kanto and Kansai regions.

In Kanto, hina arare is typically a colorful rice snack coated in sweet sugar, featuring shades of white, pink, and green.

Meanwhile, in Kansai, soy sauce or salt-flavored arare is more common.

The colors of hina arare are also symbolic: pink represents “life,” white signifies “purity,” and green stands for “health.”

Making hina arare at home is easy and fun.

Simply coat puffed rice with melted sugar syrup, add your preferred colors, and let it cool to harden.

Making it together with children can create a special moment, deepening family bonds.

Chirashizushi Recipe

【Ingredients】
- Sushi rice (4 cups of warm rice)
- Sushi vinegar (80 ml vinegar, 4 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp salt)
- Sashimi-grade fish (such as salmon, tuna)
- 1 cucumber
- Kinshi tamago (thinly sliced omelet; 2 eggs, 1 tsp sugar, pinch of salt)
- 4 shiitake mushrooms (simmered in 1 tbsp each of sugar, soy sauce, and mirin)
- Pickled ginger, snow peas, nori (to taste)

【Instructions】
1. Mix the sushi vinegar into the rice to make sushi rice.
2. Slice the cucumber thinly; for kinshi tamago, beat the eggs with sugar and salt, cook in a thin layer, and slice finely.
3. Cut the sashimi-grade fish into appropriate sizes.
4. Spread the sushi rice on a serving dish and arrange the toppings colorfully.
5. Finish by garnishing with kinshi tamago, pickled ginger, and nori.

Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival Cake Recipe

【Ingredients】
- Sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 10 strawberries
- Additional strawberries and fruits for decoration (kiwi, orange, etc.)

【Instructions】
1. Add sugar to the heavy cream and whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread whipped cream over the sponge cake layer and cover with sliced strawberries.
3. Add more whipped cream and place another layer of sponge cake on top.
4. Cover the entire cake with whipped cream and decorate with your choice of fruits.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

The Emperor (Odairi-sama) and Empress (Ohina-sama) are the main figures of Hinamatsuri.

These dolls are modeled after the Heian-period court, symbo, or Doll Festivallizing the Emperor and Empress.

By placing the Emperor and Empress dolls at the center, the display not only represents wishes for a girl’s growth
but also signifies prayers for the prosperity and happiness of the entire family.

Typically, the Emperor and Empress are displayed on the top tier, with the Emperor on the right and the Empress on the left in modern arrangements.

In the past, the placement was sometimes reversed, and while positions vary by era and region,
the arrangement symbolizes the Emperor protecting the Empress.

Recently, simpler “Prince and Princess” displays have become popular,
featuring compact sizes and modern designs that suit contemporary lifestyles.

These hina dolls honor tradition while also being adaptable for enjoyment in modern settings.

In 2025, a variety of Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival events are planned across Japan.

From traditional ceremonies to modern, creative adaptations, there are plenty of activities for families and tourists to enjoy.

For example, popular events include the traditional “Nagashi-bina” ceremony at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto
and the “Hina no Tsurushi Kazari Festival” at Inatori Onsen in Shizuoka, where unique regional celebrations draw many visitors. It’s a great season for a trip!
Additionally, hina doll workshops are held in various locations, offering a memorable experience for parents and children alike.

One trend for 2025 is an increase in sustainable hina dolls and eco-friendly events.

Through these family-friendly events, you can experience a new way to celebrate Hinamatsuri,
blending traditional elements with contemporary practices.

In recent years, a modern approach to Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival has gained popularity.

In addition to traditional hina dolls, decorations featuring contemporary interior styles and art have become trendy.

Particularly popular are modern hina dolls with simple and stylish designs, as well as display stands made from wood or acrylic, which are especially favored in urban homes.

Modern techniques, such as digital art and projection mapping, have also started attracting attention as unique decorative touches.

By incorporating modern Hinamatsuri decor items, you can celebrate tradition while enjoying a fresh style.
Create a unique Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival celebration that the whole family can enjoy.

Top-Ranked Hina Doll: Odairi-sama in Navy Blue [Kanae Hina]

The ideal timing for displaying Hina dolls
is traditionally thought to be just after Risshun (February 4th), marking the beginning of spring.

This custom reflects the old calendar’s Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival and is associated with prayers for the health and happiness of the family.

Displaying the dolls on February 29th is sometimes avoided due to superstition around “double misfortune,” but many modern families no longer follow this closely.

There is also a superstition regarding the timing for taking down the dolls.

It’s said that if the dolls aren’t put away soon after Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival, it might delay a girl’s marriage, but what matters most is handling the dolls with care.

Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival is a special celebration where families wish for a girl’s growth while enjoying the tradition together.

It’s important to preserve the essence of tradition while adapting to each family’s lifestyle in a flexible way.

Recently, DIY decorations for Hinamatsuri have become quite popular.

There are plenty of easy ideas, such as making Emperor and Empress dolls from origami, or creating a homemade Hinamatsuri garland to decorate the entire room.

These DIY projects are enjoyable for even young children, making them a fantastic activity for the whole family to celebrate Hinamatsuri together.

Other ideas include decorating paper plates or coasters with Hinamatsuri-themed designs, adding a handmade touch to the dining area and making the table feel even more festive.

Handmade decorations bring a unique warmth to Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival, creating a memorable and special celebration.

Chirashizushi is one of the essential, festive dishes for celebrating Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival.

Known for its colorful and vibrant presentation, chirashizushi typically includes ingredients like shrimp, lotus root, and thinly sliced omelet, allowing for easy customization to suit family preferences.

Recently, variations such as seafood chirashizushi with plenty of sashimi or a healthy version with more vegetables have become popular.

There are also creative ways to arrange it.

For instance, you can use heart- or star-shaped molds for a cute presentation, or serve it in individual cups for a personalized touch.

Try making a unique original chirashizushi together as a family and enjoy a special Hinamatsuri celebration.

Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival is a cherished event that celebrates a girl’s growth and offers a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family bonds.
By incorporating ways to enjoy it with a modern twist while honoring tradition, each family member can deeply appreciate the joy, significance, and memories of Hinamatsuri, or Doll Festival.

Let’s continue to treasure the traditions of Hinamatsuri while creating meaningful and enjoyable moments together.