A Journey Through Time at Futagawa-juku Honjin
The Futagawa-juku Honjin, once a prestigious lodging for feudal lords and court nobles along the historic Tokaido road, now serves as a magnificent stage for its namesake Hina Matsuri. Here, a breathtaking assembly of approximately 150 Hina doll sets awaits, showcasing the evolution of these cherished figures from the Edo period to modern times. The sheer volume and intricate craftsmanship of the dolls create an atmosphere of opulent celebration.
A particular highlight at the Honjin is the exhibition of “Goten-kazari” – palace-style Hina dolls – which were predominantly displayed in Kyoto and the Tokai region from the Taisho era (1912-1926) through the Showa 30s (1955-1964). Unlike the tiered displays common in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), these palace settings, initially crafted from plain wood, evolved into more elaborate, lacquered structures adorned with golden ornaments and even golden shachihoko (mythical carp-like creatures). While these grand displays largely faded after the Showa 40s (1965-1974), their presence here offers a rare glimpse into a distinct era of Hina doll artistry.
Beyond the traditional Hina dolls, the Honjin also features about 30 sets of “Tenjin-sama” dolls, revered as the god of learning and traditionally displayed for boys during the Hina Matsuri season. Adding to the festive atmosphere are vibrant “tsurushi-kazari” (hanging decorations) created with the help of local volunteers, alongside adorable origami Hina dolls and charming clay figures. The visual symphony of colors and textures truly immerses visitors in the spirit of the festival.
Event Details for Futagawa-juku Honjin Hina Matsuri:
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Period: January 31, 2026 (Saturday) – March 15, 2026 (Sunday)
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Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
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Closed: Mondays (Open on February 23, closed on February 24)
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Location: Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum (65 Nakamachi, Futagawa-cho, Toyohashi City)
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Admission: General 400 yen, Junior high/high school students 100 yen, Toyohashi residents aged 70 and above 100 yen. (Free for elementary and junior high school students with “Honokuni Kodomo Passport.”)
A Playful Blast from the Past at Komaya
Just a short distance away, the venerable merchant house Komaya, with its long history as a pawn shop and rice merchant, offers a distinctly playful take on the Hina Matsuri. Here, the “Fukuyose Hina Project” breathes new life into retired Hina dolls, giving them new roles and stories. This year’s theme, “Showa 100th Year,” promises a delightful journey back to Japan’s Showa era (1926-1989). Imagine Hina dolls reenacting scenes from the Olympics, the World Expo, or even the iconic dance floors of Juliana’s Tokyo! It’s a whimsical, nostalgic display that invites visitors to recall the vibrant decades of Showa Japan.
The dolls are creatively arranged throughout Komaya’s main house, detached tatami room, tea room, and garden, each setting offering a fresh surprise. “It’s truly amazing how these dolls, after serving their original purpose, get to tell new stories,” shared a local volunteer, reflecting the spirit of the project. This innovative approach to traditional display adds a layer of contemporary charm to the classic festival.
Event Details for Komaya Hina Matsuri:
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Period: January 31, 2026 (Saturday) – March 29, 2026 (Sunday)
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Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Closed: Mondays (Open on February 23, closed on February 24)
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Location: Komaya (21 Shinbashi-cho, Futagawa-cho, Toyohashi City)
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Admission: Free
Engaging Related Events
Beyond the main exhibitions, several engaging events offer hands-on experiences and further opportunities to explore Hina Matsuri culture.
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“Shucchou! Coconico in Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum”:
Children and adults alike can join in making “tsurushi-bina” (hanging dolls) featuring “Nicorin” and “Coconiko,” the charming mascots of the Children’s Future Center, which will be temporarily closed for renovations.-
Date: February 21, 2026 (Saturday)
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Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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Target: Open to all (preschoolers require guardian accompaniment)
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Participation Fee: Free (Museum admission fee required)
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“Fukuyose Hina Making Workshop”:
Participate in creating your own Fukuyose Hina dolls, which will then be displayed at Komaya. This is a unique chance to contribute to the festival’s vibrant tapestry.-
Date: February 14, 2026 (Saturday)
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Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Participation Fee: Free
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Reservation: Not required (no capacity limit)
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Additionally, a traveling Hina doll exhibition will bring different sets of impressive dolls to various facilities within Toyohashi City, each offering a unique impression. Visitors are encouraged to check the respective facility websites for specific opening hours and holidays.
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Traveling Hina Doll Exhibition Locations:
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Toyohashi City Audio-Visual Education Center: Jan 31 (Sat) – Mar 8 (Sun)
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Toyohashi Velodrome: Jan 31 (Sat) – Mar 15 (Sun)
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Toyohashi City Museum of Art and History: Feb 7 (Sat) – Mar 3 (Tue)
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Futagawa Lifelong Learning Center: Feb 11 (Wed) – Mar 15 (Sun)
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Preserving Tradition, Embracing Creativity
The “Futagawa-juku Honjin Hina Matsuri” and the “Komaya Hina Matsuri” are more than just seasonal displays; they are vibrant celebrations that weave together the threads of history, community, and artistic innovation. By showcasing both the grand, historic dolls and the whimsical, re-imagined figures, these events ensure that the cherished tradition of Hina Matsuri continues to evolve and resonate with new generations. For international visitors, it’s an exceptional opportunity to witness a truly unique aspect of Japanese culture, offering a glimpse into the heart of Toyohashi’s heritage and its creative spirit. These festivals are a testament to how traditional celebrations can find fresh, engaging expressions, ensuring their legacy for years to come and potentially inspiring similar cultural preservation efforts globally.
