March 3rd is Hinamatsuri. Have you made any preparations at home yet? For those families who haven't even bought a doll stand yet, we highly recommend going out in kimono to celebrate. Events are held all over the country from February to mid-March to celebrate children on Hinamatsuri. In the kimono column at kimono rental VASARA, we introduce recommended kimono outing plans from around the country, but this time we will introduce a kimono outing plan for Kyoto.

 

 

●Why is it recommended to wear a kimono to the Hinan Festival?

The average price of a Hina doll is generally around 20,000 yen. It takes up space, and if you think about using it only once, you may be hesitant to buy one. Therefore, it is more economical to go out with your family to an outdoor event during Hinamatsuri and enjoy it together.

And if you go out wearing a kimono on the day of Hinamatsuri, your child will surely feel like a Japanese princess and will feel special. Instead of buying a kimono, you can rent one at a kimono rental shop and have them help you put it on, which can be done easily and without extra costs.

 

Learn the origins of Hinamatsuri and invite your children to go out with you.

We have compiled the origin and meaning of Hinamatsuri, as well as a simple way to explain it, so that you won't be unable to answer when your child asks you about it. Try talking to your child in a way that will make them feel at ease even if they ask you questions, and that will also convey how much you care for them.

 

(See https://www.instagram.com/p/BuJRy6olqDE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link)

 

・Explanation for adults

It is said that Hinamatsuri is a combination of two cultures.

One is the culture of "Hina-asobi," in which aristocrats prayed for health and protection from evil spirits by playing with palaces and decorations modeled after the Emperor's palace.

The other is the "Nagashi Hina" culture, in which dolls made from washi paper are floated down rivers or into the sea in the hope that bad luck will be washed away along with the dolls.

It is said that these two traditions were combined to form the modern-day Hinamatsuri. The dolls that had been floated up until then became more luxurious and gorgeous as decorations, and the number of tiers of dolls gradually increased, with second and third tiers being added in addition to the Dairi Hina dolls.

This then evolved into a custom of celebrating with wishes for girls to be protected from misfortune, grow up beautiful and healthy, and be blessed with happiness.

 

・Instructions for children

There is no guarantee that children will be able to fully understand explanations that are written for adults. Therefore, please focus on explaining only the most important points.

"Girls' Day is a day to celebrate and pray to the dolls for the healthy and happy growth of ___."

Once you tell them, invite them to go out and celebrate with you.

 

●【Discounts available】If you are looking to rent a kimono in Kyoto, we recommend Kimono Rental VASARA

 

VASARA Kimono Rental Kyoto Station store is located inside JR Kyoto Station. It is the only VASARA rental shop inside Kyoto Station. Here, we have a wide selection of kimonos, including kimonos for children and kimonos for parents to wear. Our friendly and polite staff will coordinate and dress you in the kimono. If you make an online reservation, you will receive a 1,000 yen discount off the regular price per person, so you can enjoy great value.

For more information about the VASARA Kimono Rental Kyoto Station store, please click here.

 

●There is delicious bara sushi in Kyoto Station and a cute Japanese sweets shop near Gojo Station.

 

(Reference: https://www.kyotoside.jp/entry/20180224)

・Torimatsu

Here you can enjoy a bento of "bara sushi," a traditional local dish from Kyotango. Bara sushi is an indispensable dish for festivals and special occasions, so it might be a good idea to fill up on bara sushi while taking a break.

 

・Suetomi

Here you can find a Kyoto-style Japanese sweet called "Hichigiri" that is eaten around the time of the Doll's Festival. The packaging is beautiful and the hichigiri itself is a vibrant Japanese sweet with green, pink, and white colors, so it makes a great souvenir.

 

●Fukuda Doll Shop

 

(See https://www.facebook.com/pg/hukudashyoan/posts/?ref=page_internal)

 

About a 5-minute walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma subway line, you can see the elaborate dolls made by artisans at the Fukuda Doll Shop. It would be nice to talk to your children about the origins of the Doll Festival while looking at the gorgeous dolls.

 

●Hinamatsuri event at Ichihime Shrine

 

(Reference: https://kyototwo.jp/post/attractions/2979/)

 

About a 5-minute walk from Fukuda Doll Shop, Ichihime Shrine holds a "Hina Matsuri" where real people dress up as male and female dolls, three court ladies, and five musicians on the stage and perform gagaku and dance. If you see the real dolls after seeing them in advance, you will definitely be surprised at what they actually look like. Admission is 1,000 yen. It's perfect for a surprise celebration event.

 

●For a memorable Hinamatsuri

 

There are many temples worth seeing near Gojo, such as Higashi Honganji Temple, Shosei-en Temple, and Sanjusangendo Temple, so it's a great way to kill time on your Hinamatsuri outing. Playing with your children dressed in kimonos and celebrating will be a memorable experience for the whole family. We hope that you will be able to celebrate in the same way when your children grow up and have grandchildren in the future.