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February 11, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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April 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
Yanagawa’s Doll Festival traces its roots to the Edo period when the Tanaka clan, lords of Yanagawa Domain, encouraged elaborate Hinamatsuri celebrations among retainers and merchants. The city’s unique contribution is sagemon—colorful hanging ornaments that evolved from the broader Kyushu tradition of tsurushi kazari. Local grandmothers began crafting these intricate mobiles in the late 19th century, each containing symbolic charms (cranes for longevity, rabbits for fertility, etc.) to protect newborn girls.
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Contact Jasumo Now →After World War II, as families modernized and space shrank, many heirloom sagemon and hina sets were at risk of disappearing. In 1988, residents launched the “Sagemon Meguri” to revive the custom by displaying family treasures publicly. The addition of the spectacular Ohinasama Water Parade on donko boats in the 1990s turned it into one of Kyushu’s most photogenic festivals.
Now in its fourth decade, the event preserves a living craft—over 10,000 handmade sagemon appear each year—while drawing hundreds of thousands to Yanagawa’s picturesque canals.
Overview
The Yanagawa Doll Festival: Sagemon Tour 2026 runs from February 11 to April 3, 2026, transforming the entire canal city into a two-month celebration of Girls’ Day. Thousands of vibrant sagemon hanging ornaments and tiered hina doll sets are displayed in shops, restaurants, private homes, and historic buildings—most free to view.
Highlights include the opening land parade of princesses on ox carts, the breathtaking Ohinasama Water Parade on traditional donko boats (mid-March), and the poetic Nagashi-bina finale where paper dolls are set adrift on April 3. Ohana Villa and former samurai residences open their doors for special exhibits. The whole city becomes a walkable open-air museum of handmade textile art.
Highlights
- Sagemon Hanging Ornaments: Thousands of colorful, hand-sewn mobiles—each with 51 symbolic charms—suspended everywhere.
- Ohinasama Water Parade: Young girls dressed as Heian princesses glide down the canals on flower-decorated donko boats (mid-March).
- Historic Hina Doll Displays: Antique Meiji and Showa-era sets in former merchant houses and Ohana Villa.
- Opening Ox-Cart Parade: Little princesses in full regalia paraded through the streets on February 11.
- Nagashi-bina Finale: Paper hina dolls floated down the river on April 3 in a purification ritual.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Sagemon Hanging Ornaments: Thousands of colorful, hand-sewn mobiles—each with 51 symbolic charms—suspended everywhere.
- Ohinasama Water Parade: Young girls dressed as Heian princesses glide down the canals on flower-decorated donko boats (mid-March).
- Historic Hina Doll Displays: Antique Meiji and Showa-era sets in former merchant houses and Ohana Villa.
- Opening Ox-Cart Parade: Little princesses in full regalia paraded through the streets on February 11.
- Nagashi-bina Finale: Paper hina dolls floated down the river on April 3 in a purification ritual.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can reserve prime spots for the water parade, arrange private donko boat rides, book sagemon-making workshops, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
February 11 – April 3, 2026
- Displays: Daily throughout the period
- Opening Parade: February 11
- Ohinasama Water Parade: Mid-March (exact date TBA, usually 3rd Sunday)
- Nagashi-bina: April 3
Pricing
Most sagemon and doll displays: FREE
- Ohana Villa & some private residences: ¥300–¥500
- Donko boat ride (optional): ¥1,500–¥2,000
Location
Throughout central Yanagawa City Main areas: Shopping streets around Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, canals, Ohana Villa & former samurai residences Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
How to Get There
- By Train: Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line from Fukuoka (Tenjin) → Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station (~50 min)
- From Hakata: ~70 min via limited express
- By Car: 40 min from Fukuoka via Kyushu Expressway; parking available at station lots
Accommodation Options
Yanagawa’s historic ryokan along the canals offer unforgettable stays with kaiseki dinners and private boat transfers (¥20,000–¥55,000/person). Many decorate with family sagemon during the festival.
Budget hotels near the station start at ¥8,000–¥15,000. Book 6–12 months ahead—especially for the water parade weekend.
FAQs
When is the famous boat parade?
Usually the third Sunday in March (March 15, 2026 tentative). Exact date announced in January.
Do I need tickets for the sagemon displays?
No—the vast majority in shops and public spaces are free. Only a few private venues charge small fees.
Is the water parade visible without a boat ride?
Yes—prime viewing is free along the canal banks (arrive very early for front-row spots).
Are sagemon for sale?
Yes—many shops sell new and antique pieces. Prices range from ¥5,000 for small ones to over ¥100,000 for heirloom sets.
When do peach/cherry blossoms coincide?
Late March to early April—perfect timing for the festival finale when canals are framed by pink blossoms.
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