People photograph hina dolls displayed at Suzaku Gate on February 19 at Nara Palace Site Historical Park. (©Sankei by Hiroaki Nishikawa)
More than 3,000 hina dolls are on display at the inaugural Heijokyo Hina Festival in Nara. The event runs from February 21 to April 12 at the Nara Palace Site Historical Park. Admission and viewing are free.
Hina dolls are traditional Japanese dolls displayed for Hinamatsuri, or Girls' Day, on March 3. They typically depict members of the imperial court from the Heian period and are displayed to pray for the health and well-being of girls.
Ahead of the festival, a striking tiered display featuring hundreds of hina dolls was unveiled on February 19 at Suzaku Gate within the park, drawing large crowds of visitors.
Historical Connections
The festival is organized by a privately led executive committee that includes the park's administrator and other members. During the Nara period (710–794), when Heijokyo served as Japan's capital, it was customary to float paper or wooden dolls down rivers to pray for good health and protection from illness. The area is therefore regarded as the birthplace of the Hina Festival.
At the opening ceremony that day, memorial rites were held for hina dolls donated by Nara residents, along with a traditional sake barrel-opening ceremony. In his remarks, Governor Makoto Yamashita said he hopes that harnessing private-sector initiative will help "create liveliness at the Heijo Palace site similar to that of Nara Park."
Prime Minister's Message
A message from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was also read out. She recalled that she had "admired the gorgeous hina dolls she saw at a friend's house" when she was young, and expressed the hope that "a wonderful scene will unfold [at the park]."
Hidekazu Nishida, a resident of Sakurai City in Nara Prefecture who donated hina dolls, said, "I'm grateful that so many people can see them on display like this."
The event is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM through April 12. Visitors can also experience nagashibina, in which paper dolls are floated on water, and enjoy nighttime illuminations.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
