Hina Matsuri
SeasonalKanto(Tokyo)
Annual eventDates
2026-03-03
Venue
Awashima Shrine
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Low crowdGirls' Day festival with ornate doll displays celebrating daughters' health.
Hina Matsuri, also known as Girls' Day or Dolls' Festival, is celebrated on March 3rd to pray for the health and happiness of young girls. Families display elaborate tiered platforms of ornamental hina dolls dressed in Heian-era court attire. Awashima Shrine in Wakayama holds one of Japan's most spectacular Hina Matsuri events, where thousands of dolls are set afloat on boats in the sea as an offering.
Highlights
Hina Nagashi ceremony where dolls are set afloat on the sea; Thousands of dolls displayed throughout the shrine grounds; Traditional hina dolls in elaborate Heian-period costumes
Access
Take the JR Nankai Line to Kada Station, then walk 20 minutes. Alternatively, take a bus from Wakayamashi Station to Awashima Shrine-mae.
Tips for Visitors
The Hina Nagashi ceremony starts around noon — arrive by 10 AM for the best viewing. The shrine is also famous for its vast collection of dolls year-round. Try hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes) and chirashi-zushi, traditional Hina Matsuri foods.