Hinamatsuri (Doll's Day / Girls' Day) 2026 in Japan

Hinamatsuri, also known as Doll's Day or Girls' Day, is celebrated on March 3 to wish for the health and happiness of young girls. Families display ornamental dolls dressed in traditional court attire to symbolize good fortune and protection.

Hinamatsuri (Doll's Day / Girls' Day): A Public Holiday?

Hinamatsuri (Doll's Day / Girls' Day) is not a national public holiday in Japan; schools and businesses stay open, but families celebrate at home with elegant doll displays and special foods to wish for girls' happiness and well-being.

Hinamatsuri (Doll's Day / Girls' Day)

Hinamatsuri, also called Doll's Day or Girls' Day, is celebrated on March 3 each year to pray for the health and happiness of girls. Its origin goes back to the Heian period, when people believed they could transfer bad luck and misfortune onto paper dolls and send them away in rivers or seas. This tradition, known as hina-nagashi, gradually evolved into the display of ornamental dolls at home.

By the Edo period, the custom became more formal, and families began arranging elaborate sets of dolls dressed in traditional court attire from the Heian era. These dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, and members of the royal court. Over time, Hinamatsuri became a family celebration to wish for girls' well-being, good fortune, and a happy future. Although it is not a public holiday, it remains a cherished cultural event passed down through generations.

Observance of Hinamatsuri in Japan

On Hinamatsuri, families with daughters set up decorative doll displays known as hina-ningyō. These dolls are arranged on a red-cloth platform, usually featuring the Emperor and Empress at the top tier and their court attendants below. Some families display a full seven-tiered set, while others keep a simpler version with just a few dolls. These displays are often passed down through generations and are treated with care and respect. The dolls symbolize wishes for a girl's healthy growth, happiness, and a graceful life.

Traditional foods are also part of the celebration. Families enjoy chirashizushi (scattered sushi), hina-arare (colored rice crackers), and hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes). Sweet white sake called shirozake may also be served. While many families celebrate at home, some schools and communities hold small events to mark the occasion. In certain regions, public doll exhibitions are held, showcasing historical or artist-made hina dolls that attract visitors and preserve the cultural artistry behind the tradition.

Hinamatsuri is important because it reflects Japan's deep respect for tradition, family, and seasonal customs. It is a day filled with beauty, symbolism, and hope for a girl's future. Although simple in form, the holiday helps strengthen family bonds and keeps cultural values alive. It also offers a quiet moment to appreciate the blessings of childhood and the care families give to their children. While not a public holiday, Hinamatsuri continues to hold a special place in Japanese homes and hearts, celebrated with elegance, love, and tradition.

Hinamatsuri (Doll's Day / Girls' Day) Observances