January 9, 2026 at 10:00 am
Event date:
January 9, 2026 at 8:00 am
Event end:

History

The Maebashi Hatsuichi Festival is a long-standing annual tradition held every January 9th in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture. The festival revolves around the daruma doll, a symbolic talisman used for setting goals and resolutions. Historically, daruma dolls have been used for centuries in Japan to inspire perseverance and determination, reflecting the Japanese cultural values of dedication and self-improvement.

Are you Visiting Japan soon?

Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.

Contact Jasumo Now →

At the festival, visitors purchase daruma dolls with blank eyes. Once a goal is set, one eye is filled in, and the second eye is completed when the goal is achieved. This practice has been a meaningful part of New Year traditions in Japan, encouraging reflection and planning for the year ahead.

The festival also features the ceremonial burning of the previous year’s daruma dolls at Maebashi Hachimangu Shrine. This otakiage ceremony symbolizes gratitude and the completion of the previous year’s intentions, providing a spiritual and cultural experience for attendees.

Overview

Maebashi Hatsuichi Festival 2026 offers visitors a festive atmosphere along Honmachi-dori, with colorful displays of daruma dolls in various sizes and colors. The streets come alive with vendors selling food, drinks, lucky charms, and souvenirs. Families, tourists, and locals alike gather to enjoy the event, set their goals for the year, and participate in traditional New Year rituals.

The festival’s ceremonial burning of last year’s daruma dolls adds a spiritual dimension to the lively street festivities. Attendees can observe this meaningful ritual, shop for new daruma, and enjoy delicious local snacks while immersing themselves in Japanese culture.

Highlights

Purchase daruma dolls in various sizes and colors to set your New Year’s goals.
Ceremonial burning (otakiage) of last year’s daruma at Maebashi Hachimangu Shrine.
Street stalls offering local food, drinks, and festival souvenirs.
Vibrant and festive atmosphere along Honmachi-dori.
Fun family-friendly event to celebrate Japanese New Year traditions.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

Experience a unique Japanese festival centered around goal-setting and good fortune.
Witness the traditional otakiage ceremony for last year’s daruma dolls.
Enjoy local food, drinks, and shopping for festival souvenirs.
Immerse yourself in a lively street festival atmosphere with cultural significance.
Perfect for tourists, families, and anyone wanting to start the year with intention.

If you are coming to Japan or already in Japan and need assistance—from custom tours and experiences to transportation, ticket booking, or any other travel needs—contact us via the Jasumo contact page.

Schedule

Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Highlight: The ceremonial burning of last year’s daruma dolls starts around 10:30 AM

Pricing

Entry: Free for all visitors
Cost: Purchases for daruma dolls, charms, souvenirs, and food/drinks are separate

Location

Honmachi-dori, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture
2-7-2 Honmachi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma, Japan

How to Get There:

Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Maebashi Station
Taxis or local buses can also provide convenient access

Accommodation Options

Visitors to Maebashi can choose from mid-range hotels, guesthouses, or budget hostels.

Mid-range hotels typically range from ¥8,000–¥15,000 per night, while budget hostels start around ¥3,500 per night. Some traditional ryokans are available for cultural experiences, costing ¥12,000–¥25,000 per night. Early booking is recommended during the New Year period when the festival attracts many visitors.

FAQs

What is the Maebashi Hatsuichi Festival?

It is an annual festival celebrating the New Year with daruma dolls, food stalls, and cultural activities along Honmachi-dori in Maebashi.

Is there an entry fee?

No, the festival is free to attend. Purchases of daruma dolls, charms, and food are paid separately.

When is the festival held?

The 2026 festival is on Friday, January 9, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

What is the daruma doll tradition?

Daruma dolls have blank eyes; one eye is filled in when setting a goal and the other upon accomplishing it. They symbolize perseverance and good fortune.

How do I get to Honmachi-dori, Maebashi?

The festival area is a 10-minute walk from Maebashi Station. Taxis and local buses are also convenient.

Planning a Group Trip to Japan?

From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.

Contact Jasumo Now →