The Otaru Hina Doll Tour 2016 commenced on February 20, 2016, and concluded on March 6, 2016.
This unique event aims to share Japanese traditional culture with visitors. Across various venues, numerous hina dolls, known as “Ohinasama” in Japanese, are displayed, accompanied by special events.
March 3rd is celebrated as “Hina Matsuri,” or Girls’ Day. Families with baby girls typically display hina doll sets from mid-February until March 3rd. Often, these hina doll sets are heirlooms passed down through generations. Alternatively, families may purchase new sets with great joy for their first-born daughters.
As for boys, May 5th marks “Kodomonohi,” Boys’ Day. Families often display three or five large carp-shaped streamers called “Koinobori” and samurai helmets known as “Kabuto” or Gogatsu Ningyo dolls.
The Hina Doll Festival, also known as the “Peach Season Festival,” dates back to the Heian Era (794-1192). In ancient Chinese philosophy, the peach tree was believed to expel evil spirits and ensure longevity, making Girls’ Day a time to wish for their daughters’ good health.
Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura(田中酒造亀甲蔵)
This is the largest venue displaying numerous hina doll sets, including impressive seven-tiered hina doll displays and hanging hina dolls. Tanaka Sake Brewery, renowned in Hokkaido, has consistently won the gold prize at sake competitions across Japan. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample their award-winning sake offerings.
You may go to these venus below.
Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
There are free drink services, which are called Amazake, a sweet drink made from fermented rice and Kuro-mame tea, black soy-beans tea.
see more Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura.
Events in Kikkogura
- 27th Feb, 12:30, 14:30: Japanese harp,”Koto” concert by Otaru dream Koto ensemble.
- 28th Feb, 12:30,14:30: Koto ensemble live concert
Tanaka Sake Brewery Main Branch(田中酒造本店)
This is the main branch of Tanaka Sake Brewery, where you can explore hina doll sets dating back a hundred years. It’s a visit well worth making. Additionally, enjoy complimentary Amazake, a sweet drink crafted from fermented rice, offered as part of the experience.
Otaru Canal Plaza
Otaru Museum Canal Branch(小樽市総合博物館)
Making hanging hina-dolls at Temiya market free space
- 5th March 10:00-
- 800 yen
- 20 people
- appointment: 090-8638-4748
Taking a free photo waring Kimono with Hina-dolls (Free event)
- 27 Feb, 2-3 March
- 10:00 – 15:00
- daughter and her mother with Kimono
Sakaushi Residence
This is a historic building designated by Otaru City. The owner, Naotaro Sakaushi, built in 1927 and he opened his low office here.
Workshop events of making hina-dolls with Chiyogami and matchstick
- 27/28 Feb, 4/5 March
- 10:30- approximately 3 hours
- 500 yen
- 10 people / class
- appointment: 090-6990-6185(Maeda)
