The Heijo Palace Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will host "Heijokyo Hiina Festival" for 51 days from February 21 (Saturday) to April 12 (Sunday), 2026, expecting approximately 300,000 visitors.
During the Nara period in ancient Heijokyo (present-day Nara), people practiced a custom of making human-shaped figures (hitogata) from paper or wood, placing their wishes for good health and well-being onto them, and releasing them into rivers. This festival revives that ancient tradition, bringing a large-scale Hinamatsuri celebration to Nara—the birthplace of the Doll Festival—at the historic Heijo Palace site.
Opening Ceremony Details
Date: February 19 (Thursday), 2026, 10:00 AM
Location: Heijo Palace Historical Park, in front of Suzaku Gate (Nijo Oji Minami, Nara City)
Events: Doll memorial service (led by Shorekiji Temple priest), gagaku court music performance and tea ceremony, amazake (sweet rice sake) service, and displays of Tenpyo period costumes and junihitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono).
Festival Highlights
The grand hina doll display at Suzaku Gate will be illuminated at night, creating a spectacular evening atmosphere alongside bamboo lantern displays in the corridors.
At the Kento-shi Ship Plaza, visitors can experience the traditional flowing hina doll ceremony, reminiscent of the ancient Heijo period customs.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
(Hours may vary by facility)
About the Festival
This inaugural event at the World Heritage Heijo Palace site celebrates Nara as the birthplace of Hinamatsuri, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture in an authentic historical setting. The 51-day festival combines ancient customs with modern celebration, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Heijokyo Hiina Festival Executive Committee
Phone: 0742-35-8201
Contact: Shimo, Nishida
Official Website: https://u0ff1.hp.peraichi.com
