Mar. 07, 2022 UPDATE
Nagashibina
- 流し雛 -Traveler Friendly
Float a nagashibina doll down the Mitarashi River and experience a unique Japanese cultural experience.
Information
Japanese only
Languages spoken
Japanese only
PeriodEvery March 3
VenueShimogamo Shrine
Story & Recommendation
Ceremonial Court Kimono Floating Dolls and Prayers for Children's Health
Celebrated every March 3, Japan's hinamatsuri is a festival held to pray for the healthy growth and happiniess the country's young girls.
However, at the Shimogamo Shrine's celebration of hinamatsuri, a ceremony known as the nagashibina is held.
During the ceremony, paper dolls are placed in woven baskets and floated down the Shimogamo Shrine's famous Mitarsahi River.
Originally, the act of floating the dolls down the river was meant to pray for the health of one's daughter and attract evil forces away from her by having the doll stand in her stead. However, nowadays, not many regions still practice the ceremony. While modern celebrations of the hinamatsuri tend to include dolls adorned in brightly colored traditional clothes atop podiums, nagashibina features only a simple male and female doll made of colored paper. Shimogamo Shrine's hinamatsuri starts at 11 a.m.
In addition to the nagashibina, you can also take photos of hina ningyo dolls and see the dressing of an extremely complex and elegant traditional Heian period court kimono known as a junihitoe in the morning, so we highly recommend getting to the shrine as early as possible!
Originally, the act of floating the dolls down the river was meant to pray for the health of one's daughter and attract evil forces away from her by having the doll stand in her stead. However, nowadays, not many regions still practice the ceremony. While modern celebrations of the hinamatsuri tend to include dolls adorned in brightly colored traditional clothes atop podiums, nagashibina features only a simple male and female doll made of colored paper. Shimogamo Shrine's hinamatsuri starts at 11 a.m.
In addition to the nagashibina, you can also take photos of hina ningyo dolls and see the dressing of an extremely complex and elegant traditional Heian period court kimono known as a junihitoe in the morning, so we highly recommend getting to the shrine as early as possible!
1Highlight
Nagashibina Ceremony
This ceremony held at 11 a.m. features a man and woman dressed in traditional noble garb, much like the dolls themselves, descend the staircase to the Mitarashi River and place nagashibina on the water before giving a prayer.
2Let's join!
Buy your Own Nagashibina
After the ceremony is finished, visitors can then float their own nagashibina dolls. The nagashibina are sold in advance from 10 a.m. and cost ¥500 for a small one and ¥1,000 for a large one.
If you have children or any young girls in your family, then why not try floating a nagashibina down the river yourself?
3Let's join!
Hina Ningyo Dolls
In the Shimogamo Shrine's main hall, you will find a display of hina ningyo dolls.
Visitors can take a photo of the dolls between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. From 10:30 a.m., the dressing of the junihitoe kimono will also take place.
Make sure to get to the shrine early as there are lots to see before the nagashibina ceremony kicks off!
