Seeing Yanagawa Hinamatsuri dolls festival

On Monday, we had decided to take a drive to Yanagawa to see Hinamatsuri dolls festival, a special day in Japan. Hinamatsuri is celebrated each year on March 3.

We visited to the Kitajima Family House, a venue which is the doll festival is held. We parked a car near the Ohana (御花) villa, and take a short walk to the place. We walked a very narrow street along the canal, and turned right near the Okinohata-Suitengu (沖端水天宮) Shinto shrine. Go straight and then turn the next corner to the left, we finally came here.

Various Hina set display at the fusuma room.

A lot of Sagemon (さげもん) ornaments hanging in the room.

What's Sagemon? Sagemon is traditional events of Japan that will be held in Yanagawa city, Fukuoka. When girls were born in the late Edo period, in the celebration of the first season, they started to make small accessories with pieces of old cloths. 
The meaning of Sagemon is praying for children's growth so they put various objects of good luck such as rabbits, rats, cicadas, dolls etc.
In the bamboo ring, 49 pieces of 7 rows and 7 pieces are hung alternately with the craft and Yanagawa temari balls. And add two big temari balls in the middle of the ring that is making a total of 51 pieces. They wish to have a long life more than one.

After that we went to another place, Yanagawa Tourist Information Center.

Hanging Sagemon ornaments on the roof.

Wonderful Hinamatsuri decorations on display at the exhibition.