Makabe Hina Doll Festival

Western Ibaraki

Festivals/Events

In Japan, hina dolls were traditionally displayed to celebrate Girl's Day in early March. Locals started the Makabe Hina Doll Festival to encourage visitors to the historic town during the colder winter months.
During the festival, residents and businesses create elaborate displays of traditional hina dolls in their homes and shops. Visitors are free to enter to see these magnificent displays. Many of the dolls have been passed down through families for generations.
The historic area of Makabe is also home to warehouses known as "kura" and streets lined with traditional townhouses. Visitors can truly feel transported back in time during the festival.

Information

Address: Makabecho, Sakuragawa City
Access: By public transport: From Iwase Station on the JR Mito Line, take a bus bound for Makabe Station (around 25 minutes). Alternatively, from Shimodate Station on the JR Mito Line, take a bus bound for Makabe Station (around 30 minutes).
By car: Exit the Kita-Kanto Expresswy at Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC and drive 20 minutes on Route 50 and Route 41. Alternatively, on the Joban Expressway, exit the expressway at Tsuchiura-Kita IC and drive 50 minutes on Route 125 and Route 41.
Business Hours: Hours
Early February to early March
Many shops in the area are closed on Wednesdays. It is recommended to visit on other days.
Website: http://www.kankou-sakuragawa.jp/page/page001025.html
Contact: Sakuragawa City Tourism Division
TEL: 0296-55-1111

Map

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