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January 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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March 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
Tainai Hinamatsuri began in 2004 as a community effort to preserve heirloom hina dolls that were at risk of being discarded as modern homes grew smaller. Local families donated or loaned their cherished Meiji, Taisho, and Showa-era sets—many handed down for generations—to create public displays that honor the tradition of praying for daughters’ health and happiness.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The festival quickly expanded to multiple venues, with the Royal Tainai Park Hotel and Nakajo Grand Hotel becoming the main showcases. Unlike commercial exhibitions, Tainai’s event is deeply personal: nearly all dolls come from ordinary households across the city, reflecting real family histories rather than museum pieces.
Held during the quiet late-winter months when Niigata’s heavy snow blankets the region, the warm hotel interiors filled with ornate dolls create a striking contrast to the frozen landscape outside—making it one of Niigata’s most heartwarming seasonal traditions.
Overview
Tainai Hinamatsuri 2026 runs from late January to late March at two elegant hotel venues: Royal Tainai Park Hotel and Nakajo Grand Hotel. Hundreds of antique and family-treasured hina doll sets—many over 100 years old—are lovingly displayed in lobbies, corridors, and banquet halls.
The dolls range from rare seven-tier imperial courts in pristine condition to more modest three-tier sets that tell stories of everyday life in rural Niigata. Some feature handmade silk costumes or local craftsmanship unique to the region. The free-admission event offers a rare chance to see private family heirlooms in an intimate, uncrowded setting.
Highlights
- Antique Family Heirlooms: Meiji, Taisho, and Showa-era hina sets donated by Tainai residents—many with personal family stories attached.
- Double-Venue Experience: Compare displays at the luxurious Royal Tainai Park Hotel and the classic Nakajo Grand Hotel.
- Snowy Winter Atmosphere: Warm hotel interiors filled with ornate dolls against Niigata’s famous heavy snowfall outside.
- Rare Local Variations: Sets featuring regional costume details or handmade accessories not seen in major city exhibitions.
- Relaxed Viewing: No crowds, no time limits—perfect for quiet appreciation and photography.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Antique Family Heirlooms: Meiji, Taisho, and Showa-era hina sets donated by Tainai residents—many with personal family stories attached.
- Double-Venue Experience: Compare displays at the luxurious Royal Tainai Park Hotel and the classic Nakajo Grand Hotel.
- Snowy Winter Atmosphere: Warm hotel interiors filled with ornate dolls against Niigata’s famous heavy snowfall outside.
- Rare Local Variations: Sets featuring regional costume details or handmade accessories not seen in major city exhibitions.
- Relaxed Viewing: No crowds, no time limits—perfect for quiet appreciation and photography.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with custom Niigata winter tours, private transfers between venues, snow experience packages, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Late January to late March 2026
- Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (varies slightly by venue)
- Both hotels open displays throughout the period
Pricing
Completely free entry to both Royal Tainai Park Hotel and Nakajo Grand Hotel displays.
Location
- Royal Tainai Park Hotel 1191-3 Natsui, Tainai, Niigata 959-2822
- Nakajo Grand Hotel Near Nakajo Station, Tainai City
How to Get There
- By Train: JR Uetsu Main Line to Nakajo Station – Nakajo Grand Hotel: 5-min taxi / 20-min walk – Royal Tainai Park Hotel: 30-min drive/taxi
- By Car: Recommended—20 min between venues
- From Niigata Station: ~90 min by local train or car
Accommodation Options
Stay at the venues themselves:
- Royal Tainai Park Hotel: Onsen resort with doll displays in-house (¥18,000–¥45,000/person incl. meals)
- Nakajo Grand Hotel: Classic Japanese-style rooms near station (¥15,000–¥35,000)
Tainai City has limited lodging—book early for February/March weekends when snow viewers combine with hina displays.
FAQs
When exactly does the 2026 festival run?
Typically late January to late March, with exact dates announced in December 2025. Both hotels usually open displays simultaneously.
Is a car necessary?
Strongly recommended—the two main venues are 20 minutes apart, and rural buses are infrequent in winter.
Are the dolls the same every year?
No—new family donations rotate in annually, so even repeat visitors see fresh displays.
Can I photograph the dolls?
Yes—both hotels allow non-flash photography throughout the public display areas.
Is this festival crowded?
No—Tainai Hinamatsuri remains a hidden gem. Even on weekends, you’ll have peaceful viewing time with the dolls.
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