[Kamakura] Why not celebrate Hinamatsuri in a kimono?
Hinamatsuri, or Girls' Festival, is coming up on March 3rd. How will you celebrate? There are many ways to enjoy it, from decorating with Hina dolls and peach blossoms to eating Hina arare and sweet sake. So, this time, we will introduce basic information about Hinamatsuri and recommended spots to visit in Kamakura, titled Celebrating Hinamatsuri in Kimono. Please use this as a reference for your celebration.
A general explanation of Hinamatsuri
・What is Hinamatsuri?
This is a festival for women. It is celebrated by displaying Hina dolls and offerings of diamond-shaped rice cakes, white sake, and peach blossoms.
Hina dolls are meant to stand in for children, protect them from illness and injury, and pray for their healthy growth. They are generally put up from the beginning of spring after Setsubun until February 24th. Incidentally, the reason why Hina dolls are put away immediately after the festival is that it is meant to convey the message that "if you can't put them away properly, you won't be able to become a good bride."
-Are there any age restrictions for Hinamatsuri?
If you were to ask "up to what age is it common to celebrate Girls' Festival," I thought some people might not be able to answer or might think it's up to elementary school age, so I'll provide you with accurate information.
Amazingly, you can celebrate at any age.
For example, you can even celebrate after you come of age. This is something you shouldn't miss if you haven't had a chance to celebrate yet.
・What do you eat on Hinamatsuri?
These include chirashi sushi, auspicious conch shells, hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes), hina arare (rice crackers), white sake, amazake (sweet sake), and toukashu (peach blossom wine). These are all things that can be prepared at home, so please prepare them.
●Why celebrating in a kimono is recommended
・I'm sure there are some children who look at the Hina dolls displayed at home and ask to try them on. If you surprise them by dressing them in a traditional Japanese kimono, they'll feel like princesses. I think it will be a memorable day for your daughter.
・As in the Hinamatsuri song, there is a phrase that says, "Let's change into kimonos and celebrate in our finest attire." Kimonos are worn less and less these days, but especially in times like these, I want people to celebrate in kimonos.
●Kimono rental is available for people of all ages
We recommend kimono rentals to mothers who think that their children may only wear it once, or that they will not be able to wear it when they grow up. Kimono Rental VASARA also offers kimonos for children up to 90cm tall. With the Children's Standard plan, you can rent a set including dressing for an online reservation price of 3,900 yen (excluding tax).
You can see kimonos for children here. ↓
https://vasara-h.co.jp/kimono/
You may be worried that you might get the kimono dirty, but if you add the 300 yen option called the Anshin Pack 300 at VASARA Kimono Rental, we will guarantee cleaning and repair costs up to 50,000 yen. This is perfect for a daughter who often spills food.
There are 20 VASARA kimono rental stores nationwide. Please feel free to visit the store nearest you.
Please check the store information here. ↓
●We will introduce recommended routes!
◇Hina dolls and hanging ornaments exhibition
An exhibition of Hina dolls and hanging decorations.
The sight of so many hanging dolls creates an indescribable atmosphere. Combined with the retro feel of the interior of the building, you will feel as if you are visiting a rural house, and all your worries will be blown away.
<Date and Time>
Friday, January 11, 2019 - Sunday, May 12, 2019
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:30
<Location>
Kita-Kamakura Old Folk House Museum
〒247-0052 Kanagawa Prefecture Kamakura City Yamanouchi 392-1
TEL. 0467(25)5641 FAX. 0467(24)8848
Nearest station: 2 minutes walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line
Regular holiday: New Year's
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00
https://www.kominka-museum.com/
・Sightseeing spots around the museum
Meigetsuin Temple
10 minutes walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line
Address: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 247-0062
TEL
0467-24-3437
No closing days
Visiting hours: 9:00-16:00 (8:30-17:00 in June)
Admission fee: 300 yen. 500 yen in June. (Special garden viewing available in June and during the autumn foliage season *500 yen extra fee required)
Engakuji Temple
1 minute walk from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line
Address: 409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 247-0062
TEL
0467-22-0478
No closing days
Visiting hours (March to November) 8:00 to 16:30
(December to February) 8:00 to 16:00
Admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 100 yen for children
◇The one and only Doll's Festival in the world
<Date and Time>
Saturday, March 2, 2019
15:00～
<Location>
Kamakura Godaiin Meioin Kamakura City Junisho 32
＜Contents＞
The "One and Only Doll Festival in the World" will be held, painting Myo-o-in Temple at the Twelve Temples of Kamakura pink.
Pink Ribbon Kanagawa will set up an awareness booth to convey the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer, and will offer a lump palpation experience and explain the correct way to self-examine.
Enjoy traditional events while admiring the Hina dolls of Myoo-in Temple, such as a shamisen workshop led by Ogie-bushi shamisen player Ogie Jushin, a chiyogami paper-making workshop led by eraser stamp artist Okada Minako, and a special Satsuma Hinamatsuri ceremony.
＜Organizer＞
Petit Train General Incorporated Association
https://www.pinkribbon-kanagawa.jp/archives/6489
Summary
What did you think? We introduced basic information about Hinamatsuri and recommended spots to visit in Kamakura. You can easily enjoy strolling around in a kimono. Kimono rental VASARA is available at 20 stores nationwide. Please come to your nearest VASARA Kimono Rental Store and enjoy celebrating Hinamatsuri.
You can make a reservation for VASARA Kimono Rental here. ↓
