Hinamatsuri: Japan’s Doll Festival 

Hinamatsuri, also known as Doll’s Day or Girls’ Day, is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on March 3 each year. The festival is dedicated to young girls, and the centerpiece of the celebration is the display of hina dolls, which represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians of the Heian period (794-1185).

This unique Japanese festival is celebrated differently depending on the region you’re in, but most customs will include some similar features, like a set of cute hina dolls, peach flower decorations, as well as festive food such as hina-arare (multi-colored rice crackers) and chirashizushi (sliced raw fish with rice).

Celebrate Hinamatsuri: Traditions & Fun Events for Japan’s Doll Festival (March 3)