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 Gion Kimono Rental Shop is located just a minute's walk from Yasaka Shrine.

It is also within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is very famous in Kyoto, so you can easily go for a stroll while wearing a kimono.

We also have a wide selection of kimonos for children. We will coordinate and dress you in the kimono that suits you. If you make an online reservation, you will receive a 1,000 yen discount off the regular price per person, making it a great deal.

Now, let us introduce some recommended Hinamatsuri events while wearing a kimono.

"Girls' Festival"

Date: March 3

Location: Matsuo Taisha Shrine

Time: Ceremony (at the worship hall) 10:00~ Nagashibina 10:30~

Price: Free for attendees

After the ritual, a "Nagashi Bina" ceremony will be held in the curved water garden of Shofuen accompanied by the sound of gagaku music.

Afterwards, the event will move to the banquet hall, where fun events related to Hinamatsuri will be held.

"Floating Dolls"

Date: March 3

Location: Shimogamo Shrine

Time: Reception 10:00~, Ceremony 10:30~

Nagashibina is said to have begun in the Heian period.

This is an event in which small dolls are floated down rivers or into the sea in place of children to ward off evil spirits and ensure their healthy growth.

After the ritual, a simple doll made of washi paper with a rolled up clay face and painted with whitewash is placed on a straw sack and floated in the Mitarashi River within the shrine grounds, praying for the safety of children. The public is also welcome to float it.

It is common to buy a sash bale, take it home and display it for a year before floating it away the following year, but you can also buy one and float it away right away.

"Peach Blossom Ceremony"

Date: March 3

Location: Kamigamo Shrine

Time: 10:00~

The solemn ritual involves offerings of kusamochi, peach blossoms, and kobushi flowers to the altar, and prayers for good health and safety.

The ceremony is open to the general public.

Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival)

Date: March 3

Location: Ichihime Shrine

Time: 13:00-16:00

Price: 1,000 yen

The Hinamatsuri here is famous because it is rare.

A large stage is made and on it are a full lineup of real people playing the roles of male dolls, female dolls, three court ladies, and five musicians. There are also dances by the court ladies, a demonstration of how to wear the twelve-layered kimono, and a shell-matching show.

 

"Spring Peach Festival"

Date: March 3

Location: Sanjusangendo Temple

In keeping with the name of Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist service will be held on March 3rd, which is the same day as the number "three" in the temple's name, and the temple will be open to the public free of charge.

You can worship the Thousand Bodhisattva Kannon from a specially constructed high platform.

There will also be a flower offering ceremony in the Ikenobo style of flower arrangement and an open-air sermon, and women will also be given a "peach charm" that is only available on the three days.

What do you think? Was it helpful? Why not use this as a reference and wear a kimono when attending an event?

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