What is Hyakudan Hinamatsuri?

Hyakudan Hinamatsuri is an annual Hina dolls exhibition held at Hyakudan Kaidan. It introduces rare, historic, and traditional Hina dolls from different prefectures in Japan every year. The theme in 2020 was ‘Hinadoll travels from Izumo, Inaba, Hagi HYAKUDAN HINAMATSURI 2020’ that displayed Hina dolls from Tottori, Shimane, and Yamaguchi prefectures. The venue, Hyakudan Kaidan at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo which is registered as the tangible cultural property, adds the unique and special atmosphere to the exhibition!

What is Hina doll?

Hina doll is a set of ornamental dolls to celebrate Hinamatsuri festival in Japan. The dolls depict the imperial court at the Heian period (794-1185) and this style was formed in the Edo period(1603-1868). Hinamatsuri or Japanese Girls’ Day on March 3rd of each year is a traditional event to pray for girls’ health, growth, and happiness. On March 3rd every year, many families with girls display Hina dolls at home and eat traditional Japanese dishes to celebrate Hinamatsuri.

Report

On one day in February, I went to Hotel Gajoen Tokyo for the Hyakudan Hinamatsuri 2020! It was held from 24th January to 15th March in 2020. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is located at Meguro and it takes about 3 minutes on foot from Meguro station.

Arrived at Meguro station! To get to Gajoen Hotel Tokyo, please take the West exit.

On the way to the hotel, there is Daienji temple, a traditional temple.

After only 3 minutes walk, arrived at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo!

The reception counter of Hyakudan Hinamatsuri is right there once you enter the hotel. Admission fee was JPY 1,600 per adult.

This gorgeous elevator takes you to the 3rd floor, the entrance of Hyakudan Kaidan. It is said that this elevator is most expensive in Japan and it required JPY 60 million to built. This elevator was built in 1991.

Raden technique is used to create these beautiful decorations. Pieces of mother of pearl are fixed with lacquer.

Arrived at Hyakudan Kaidan and this beautiful Hina dolls welcome you! Note that everyone is asked to take off shoes here.

Hyakudan Kaidan has 99 steps and 7 rooms. Hyakudan Kaidan was built in 1935 as the 3rd annex of Meguro Gajoen Hotel. The hotel renovated all the areas except this 3rd annex from 1988 to 1991. The wooden architecture is registered as the tangible cultural property.

Edo period Kyoho Hina dolls and Taisho period Miniature Hina dolls set.

Meiji period Meiji Emperor and Empress Hina dolls. Hina dolls show the history of Japan as well. In Meiji period, western clothes were widely used.

A great scale of Hina dolls that depict Japanese mythology! It was stunning.

This is based on the Japanese myth of Dragon Castle.

This is based on the Japanese myth of Big Snakes with Eight Heads.

Huge Hina dolls set from Yamaguchi prefecture.

Hina dolls set from Tottori prefecture. It is made of wood and is said to be the oldest Hina dolls in Japan.

This is 3 brother’s Hina dolls. In Edo period, some areas had a custom to wish for boy’s health and growth too on March 3rd.

More Hina dolls and decorations were displayed! I was overwhelmed with excellent craftsmanship and it surely took me to another world.

The gift store was also filled with many people.

Hyakudan Kaidan holds various seasonal events so please check if you are interested in.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a beautifully designed 4 star hotel. It has such a Japanese vibe!

Japanese garden at the hotel is very unique as well.

Many love the design of washroom at the entrance here!

Summary

Hyakudan Hinamatsuri is a great exhibition to take a look at Japanese culture! I fully enjoyed traditional and special Hina dolls at Hyakudan Kaidan, a historical architecture. If you’re planning to visit Tokyo around February and March, we recommend visiting Hyakudan Kaidan to enjoy Hina dolls, unique dolls in Japan.