Hinamatsuri in Sawara

March 3rd is Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival). The oldest traditions have people making dolls of paper or wood to absorb illness or bad luck. People would rub the dolls on themselves and then float the dolls down a river in small boats. Eventually the tradition shifted to displaying special dolls (hina dolls) and celebrating the health and happiness of young girls. This March 6th I went to Sawara, an old world river town. They still celebrate the traditional way but unfortunately I was not able to be there for that day. But I was able take a walking tour of the city. Throughout the city historical and culturally significant spots set up displays of dolls. I start off heading to the port. I arrived early and started heading East. I passed the city firemen training in the morning, other walking tours heading the opposite direction, and some interesting monuments. At the port they had the parade float of a giant fish made with rice straw.

Leaving the port I started heading south, towards the center of old town. Where the next stop was the Sawara City museum. The staff there was friendly and offered me some literature in English. The building itself was interested as it was an old bank. One of the display rooms was in the vault. In the museum all sorts of memorabilia of the past, and scale models of the Edo period shops.

Heading East again I circle up to take a peak at a bonus museum. This museum was of the parade floats. They had two of the floats on display and some of the older floats that are no longer in use. It was really interested to wander around. Plus as a bonus, as I had signed up for the walking tour, I got free admission.

It was a long distance south to the next stop. The mysterious Kanpukuji temple. Up until I was standing in front of the entrance this massive temple was completely hidden from view. I could not find the hina doll display that was supposed to be there. But I met a nice couple and we talked for a bit. Over the course of this tour I ended up talking with quite a few people, most just curious of where I am from.

I met some other friendly people at my next stop. And this fellow spoke English too! It was very nice chatting, turns out he has been to Chicago. From Kanpukuji temple, heading west, back to the old town I visit the Inoh Tadataka museum and his old manor. I was not allowed to photograph in the museum. Inoh Tadataka (1745-1818) was a fascinating person. He was a surveyor and cartographer. Known for being the first person to map Japan using modern cartography techniques.

From Inoh Tadataka's house I continued west to the sake brewery. This was an impressive ancient business that is still thriving today. The building had the sweetest, most pleasant smell to it as I walked through.

Before heading back to the train station I stop off at a small family owned restaurant. I ordered tanuki udon. Tanuki are indigenous raccoon-dog animals, that are believed to have magical, shape shifting abilities. So the name intrigued me, and what I got was surprising, it looked like they added rice crispys to my udon! Tanuki udon actually had little bits of fried tempura in it, it was apparently a tanuki's favorite meal! At the train station was the last hina doll display. This walking tour took me four and a half hours. It was so fun and interesting! Sawara has been such a great town to visit.