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February 11, 2026 at 10:00 am
Event date:
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April 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Yanagawa Hina Matsuri traces its roots to the Edo period when local families began displaying elaborate hina dolls along the city’s picturesque canals. The unique “sagemon” decorations—hand-sewn hanging ornaments with hundreds of tiny dolls and charms—became a signature tradition of Yanagawa, passed down through generations of mothers and daughters.
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Today, the event combines Shinto rituals, traditional music, and community participation, making Yanagawa one of Japan’s most immersive hina doll destinations outside the official March 3 date.
Overview
On February 11, 2026, Yanagawa’s beloved Hina Festival begins with a captivating parade of living hina dolls starting at 10:00 a.m. from Hiyoshi Shrine. Adults dressed as imperial court figures from the classic seven-tier hina display ride in red-carpeted carts, accompanied by young girls in brilliant red kimono wearing golden crowns.
The procession includes Shinto priests, taiko drummers, and carts decorated with colorful sagemon, winding through historic streets and over canal bridges. This free event marks the start of the two-month Sagemon Meguri festival (until April 3), when homes, shops, and venues throughout Yanagawa display thousands of intricate hina dolls and hanging ornaments.
Highlights
- Living Hina Dolls: Adults perfectly recreating the Emperor, Empress, court ladies, and ministers in Heian-period costume.
- Golden-Crowned Girls: Two dozen young participants in red kimono riding traditional wooden carts adorned with sagemon.
- Shinto Blessing Ceremony: Shrine maiden dance and prayers at Hiyoshi Shrine before departure.
- Sagemon Photo Stop: The parade pauses at a massive sagemon display for close-up photographs.
- Taiko Drum Performance: Energetic drumming provides a powerful soundtrack as the procession begins.
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- Living Hina Dolls: Adults perfectly recreating the Emperor, Empress, court ladies, and ministers in Heian-period costume.
- Golden-Crowned Girls: Two dozen young participants in red kimono riding traditional wooden carts adorned with sagemon.
- Shinto Blessing Ceremony: Shrine maiden dance and prayers at Hiyoshi Shrine before departure.
- Sagemon Photo Stop: The parade pauses at a massive sagemon display for close-up photographs.
- Taiko Drum Performance: Energetic drumming provides a powerful soundtrack as the procession begins.
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Schedule
Parade Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (National Holiday) Start Time: 10:00 a.m. at Hiyoshi Shrine Duration: Approximately 1–1.5 hours Festival Period: February 11 – April 3, 2026 (Sagemon displays citywide)
Pricing
The Hina Festival Opening Parade and all sagemon viewing throughout Yanagawa are completely FREE to the public.
Location
Starting Point: Hiyoshi Shrine Address: Sakamoto, Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture 832-0076, Japan
How to Get There:
- Train: Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station → 20–25 minute walk or short taxi ride to Hiyoshi Shrine
- Car: Free dirt parking available at the shrine (arrive early); paid lots along Route 770 for latecomers Parade Route: From Hiyoshi Shrine → Tachibana-dori (Rt 770) → across canal bridges → ends near Nishitetsu Yanagawa area
Accommodation Options
Yanagawa offers charming riverside ryokans with canal views and traditional kaiseki dinners, ranging from ¥15,000–¥35,000 per person including breakfast and dinner. Many participate in the sagemon festival with beautiful doll displays in their lobbies.
Budget travelers can choose business hotels or guesthouses in central Yanagawa starting at ¥7,000–¥12,000 per night. Book early as February–March is peak hina season and rooms fill quickly.
FAQs
What time does the Hina Festival Opening Parade start?
The ceremony at Hiyoshi Shrine begins at 10:00 a.m. sharp on February 11, 2026, with the parade departing shortly after the blessing.
Is the parade free to watch?
Yes—viewing the entire parade and all sagemon displays throughout Yanagawa is completely free during the festival period.
How long is the parade route?
The procession lasts about 1–1.5 hours, covering central Yanagawa with one scheduled photo stop. Traffic continues normally, so stay on sidewalks.
Do I need to arrive early for parking?
Yes—free shrine parking fills quickly. Arrive by 9:00 a.m. or use paid lots along Route 770 if arriving later.
Can I combine this with Yanagawa’s famous canal boat ride?
Absolutely—many visitors enjoy the parade in the morning and take a relaxing donko boat tour through the canals in the afternoon to see more sagemon.
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