Susanoo Shrine and Kawazu-Zakura Festival

Last week I went to Susanoo Shrine’s Hina display in Izu-Inatori and the Kawazu-Zakura Festival. 

I visited this shrine in 2018 to see the Hina display, and even met the Hina Princess. This year, there was no princess, but the display was still beautiful. There are 118 levels and 380 dolls.

Looking down from the top.

Next, I went to Kawazu. The Kawazu-zakura is the earliest cherry tree to bloom. Every year in early February, the town holds a festival along the 4 km river with over 850 trees.

This photo from Asahi Shinbun 

           

The trees are on both sides of the river. There were a lot of people (and dogs) taking pictures of themselves under the trees. There are also many food and drink stands.

The cherry blossom festival runs through March 8th.

Hina Matsuri

March 3rd is the day every year to celebrate and pray for the growth and happiness of girls. Hina-ningyo dolls are traditionally arranged on a platform covered with a red cloth. Some are simple, others quite elaborate. It is not a national holiday, but it is widely celebrated. If you are not in Japan (or even if you are) I want to share some of the many types of displays here.

My own displays -

Live Hina Matsuri at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto - 

Display at Izu-Inatori -

 

Kasuisai Temple in Fukuroi, Shizuoka-

One of many displays inside Iga Ueno Castle -

Takamatsu Hotel -

Keio Plaza Hotel in Sapporo -

Also, please check out Queenie's Needlework to see the beautiful Hina ornaments she makes every year. 

Is there a special day to celebrate girls where you live?

Kasuisai Hina Matsuri

Yesterday was a warm sunny day. I took the train to Fukuroi City to see the Hina dolls at the Kasuisai Temple. 

This display was at the Fukuroi train station.

The walk from the train station to the temple was almost an hour, so I looked around as I walked. I don't know what Pop Food is. Regular gas is 164 yen/liter.  I don't drive, so I don't usually pay attention to gas prices.

Finally, I got to the entrance of the Kasuisai Temple. This is a popular place for the Hina Matsuri or Girl's Festival.

There were lots of Festival Food stands, but I passed on all of it.

There are many stairs and many buildings at this temple.

On each step there are dolls and accessories. The details are amazing.

Cute little girls in kimonos with their families were everywhere.

The higher I climbed, the fewer people I saw.

All temples seem to have these things.

Looking down on the buildings.

This was some kind of cave temple.  I looked in but didn't go inside.

This is looking down on all the dolls on the steps.

This was a poster of a building in the temple area that I had planned to visit, but when I got there, there were so many people.  I really try to avoid crowds, so I decided not to go in. I'm sure it was amazing to see so many hina dolls, but I want to stay healthy, so I passed it by.

I'm glad I visited the temple.  It was a gorgeous place and I got to walk and visit a place I've never been.  It was a good day.