Doll Festival, the festival for girls on March 3 draws near.
"Hinameguri" or Hina Doll Visiting event is held at this time of year in Otaru. The period of Hinameguri this year is February 19-March 6.
This year, you can enjoy beautiful Hina dolls; some of them are as old as 200 years, at fifty places including shops and public facilities in the city during this period.
It is said that the Hina dolls express the scene of imperial wedding in the Heian period that is about 1,000 years ago.
A formal set of Hina dolls consists of a couple, three ladies in waiting, five court musicians, ministers of the right and the left, and three attendants.
Most of Hinameguri places concentrate along Sakaimachi-dori street, a popular tourist spot in Otaru. Please try to see an elegant tradition of Japan if you ever visit Otaru during this period.
A set of Hina dolls I saw at Irifune Market.
The caption says that the dolls are 50 years old.
Other than dolls, you can see the cow carriage for the nobles in front.
Another display at Irifune Market.
The dolls on the right are 25 years old, and on the left are 45 years old.
You can see some antique dolls made in 19th century at some other places.
