Doll Festival in Shiozawa

The Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival or Girl's Day) is held on March 3rd each year. Families with daughters display beautiful dolls representing the Imperial Household - each tier represents a different group.

Down the Shiozawa Bokushi Dori, the main street that has recently had a facelift to make it look like an old Edo town, shops display their family dolls, many of them family heirlooms, for the general public to view. This is a great opportunity to see some amazing Japanese handicrafts that usually remain hidden inside the family home. Many of the owners are more than happy to let you know about the dolls in their possession.

The dolls go on display in shops around Shiozawa from February 18th until March 23rd (although some may remain on display until April 3rd.) Have a stroll around the town and discover some real treasures.