Welcome Spring Early in Yanagawa, Fukuoka — “Yanagawa Hina Festival: Sagemon Meguri”

If you want to welcome spring a little early in Yanagawa, Fukuoka, head to the “Yanagawa Hina Festival: Sagemon Meguri.” As the Girls’ Festival season approaches, the town of Yanagawa gently fills with color, and vibrant hanging decorations begin to sway throughout tourist facilities and shopping streets. As you stroll through the area, you may come across scenes that feel as if flowers are falling from above, making you want to reach for your camera.
In this article, we'll introduce the history and fun facts behind the festival and share tips on how to explore it in a way that truly enhances your experience. We’ll also cover river cruises, local cuisine, and travel-planning ideas.

What Is the Yanagawa Hina Festival: Sagemon Meguri?

Photo: Sagemon decorations from the Yanagawa Hina Festival in Yanagawa, Fukuoka

The “Yanagawa Hina Festival: Sagemon Meguri” is a citywide Girls’ Festival event held across various locations throughout Yanagawa. Unique hanging decorations called “sagemon,” along with traditional hina dolls displayed for Hinamatsuri, decorate tourist facilities, shopping streets, and storefronts throughout the city. Simply strolling around naturally becomes a sightseeing tour of highlights. There is no fixed route, so you can stop by any displays that catch your interest. Whether you prefer a quick visit or a leisurely half-day exploration, you can tailor the experience to your travel style. As the entire town becomes more colorful, photo opportunities increase with every step.

For 2026, the festival is scheduled to take place from February 11, 2026, to April 3, 2026, although dates may change depending on weather conditions. Because the event runs for an extended period, it is easier to plan a relaxed weekday visit and avoid the busier weekends or special event days.

During the festival period, special events are also planned, such as the “Ohinasama Opening Ceremony and Procession” and the “Ohinasama Water Parade,” both of which reflect the charming atmosphere of this historic canal town. A recommended way to enjoy the festival is to view the displays, watch the events, and then savor the lingering atmosphere with a river cruise. This sequence allows you to experience spring in Yanagawa in a rich and immersive way.

Photo: Ohinasama Water Parade at the Yanagawa Hina Festival in Yanagawa, Fukuoka

Examples of the main event schedule include the “Ohinasama Opening Ceremony and Procession” on February 11, and the “Ohinasama Water Parade” on March 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., which will be postponed to March 20 in case of rain. The “Nagashi-bina Festival,” in which paper hina dolls are set afloat on the water to pray for good health and protection from misfortune, is scheduled for April 3.
Before the main festival period, a “Sagemon Exhibition and Sale” will be held on January 31 and February 1. During the festival, “Yanagawa Kimono Biyori” is also scheduled for March 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
【Video】（1:39）～

Yanagawa is a town where your journey deepens as you walk through shopping streets, along the canals, and make spontaneous stops at displays that catch your eye. It is truly an event designed for leisurely exploration.

What Is Sagemon? The Story Behind Its 51 Decorations

Photo: Sagemon decorations from the Yanagawa Hina Festival in Yanagawa, Fukuoka

Sagemon are distinctive hanging decorations unique to Yanagawa, made by stringing together auspicious fabric ornaments and “Yanagawa mari,” which are traditional decorative balls. Typically, 49 ornaments are hung in seven strands of seven from a bamboo ring, with two larger Yanagawa mari placed in the center, making a total of 51 decorations.

The number 51 is not arbitrary. In an era when a lifespan of 50 years was considered the norm, people added one more to express the wish that a child would live even one year longer. Knowing this story adds deeper meaning to the decorations. Rather than simply admiring their beauty in the video, try recalling the significance of the number when you see them in person. The scene before you will feel even more meaningful.

As an additional fun fact, many of the small ornaments on sagemon represent auspicious symbols such as cranes, turtles, and shrimp, each carrying its own meaning. Cranes and turtles symbolize longevity, plum blossoms represent healthy growth as they bloom before spring, peaches symbolize protection from misfortune, and cherry blossoms express the joy of spring. The more you notice, the more you can feel the celebratory spirit behind each piece.
While exploring, try spotting cranes, turtles, and shrimp as if playing a small treasure hunt game. The moment you find one, your excitement for the journey will rise another level.
【Video】（0:59）～

How to Explore: A Simple Model Course

Yanagawa is a town best enjoyed not as isolated points, but as a continuous flow of experiences. Here is a recommended classic route.

Photo: Hina doll display and sagemon at the Yanagawa Hina Festival in Yanagawa, Fukuoka

[Morning] Focus on the displays
1. Arrive at Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station
2. Explore sagemon displays in the shopping street area
3. Head to the Okinohata area for a waterside stroll

Photo: Yanagawa’s famous dish, steamed eel in a bamboo steamer

[Afternoon Meal] Enjoy local cuisine
Yanagawa’s famous steamed eel in a bamboo steamer is a must-try. On busy days, it is recommended to arrive early or make a reservation.

Photo: River cruising in Yanagawa, Yanagawa, Fukuoka

[Afternoon] River cruise experience
A river cruise through the canals on a traditional flat-bottomed “donkobune” boat takes about one hour. The estimated fee ranges from 1,800 to 2,000 yen for adults, depending on the course. After walking through town, relaxing on the boat is one of the true pleasures of a trip to Yanagawa.

Additional Spots to Visit

Photo: Tachibana Residence Ohana, former residence of the Yanagawa domain lord

[Tachibana Residence Ohana]
Visiting hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with general admission at 1,200 yen. Please check the official website for details such as closing days.
After enjoying the vibrant displays of the Sagemon Meguri, stepping into Ohana brings a calm shift in atmosphere, gently resetting the rhythm of your journey. The quiet garden, historic architecture, and seasonal colors create a serene setting. During the sagemon season, the contrast between refined elegance and festive color leaves a lasting impression.

Photo: Kitahara Hakushu Birthplace and Memorial Museum in Yanagawa, Fukuoka

[Kitahara Hakushu Birthplace and Memorial Museum]
Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., last admission at 4:30 p.m., with admission at 600 yen for adults. As you walk along Yanagawa’s waterways, there are moments when the atmosphere feels almost poetic. This museum puts that feeling into words, introducing the world of Kitahara Hakushu, a poet born in this water town. It adds depth to your stroll.

The site also appears in the video at 0:24. Watching it beforehand can deepen your sense of immersion when you visit. After viewing the exhibits, walking again along the canals offers a fresh perspective on the same scenery.

Photo: Okinohata area in Yanagawa, Fukuoka

[Strolling the Okinohata Area]
Located near the river cruise boarding area, this district allows you to fully enjoy the scenery of a classic canal town. Walking here makes you truly feel that Yanagawa is a “city of water.” With canals close at hand, along with bridges, reflections, and the presence of boats, the atmosphere enhances the sense of travel. It is the perfect place to pause during your sagemon exploration and simply soak in the atmosphere of Yanagawa.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds and Access Information

Weekends and event days tend to be crowded, so it is recommended to explore the displays in the morning and enjoy a river cruise in the afternoon. On rainy days, focusing on indoor exhibitions ensures a more comfortable visit.

From Fukuoka Airport, the easiest route is via Tenjin and then taking the Nishitetsu train line, following the route Fukuoka Airport → Tenjin → Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. If traveling by car, the city is accessible from nearby highway interchanges.

Conclusion: Watch the Video and Complete Your Spring in Yanagawa

The Yanagawa Hina Festival: Sagemon Meguri is a Girls’ Festival that comes alive through exploration. Learn the meaning behind the 51 decorations, experience history at Ohana, immerse yourself in the world of Kitahara Hakushu, and relax on a river cruise surrounded by the atmosphere of this canal town. Finish with steamed eel in a bamboo steamer, and your spring journey will be a true success.

Start by watching the video to set the mood, then head to Yanagawa in Fukuoka Prefecture. Go and experience that gentle sway of color for yourself.

Official website: https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/en/event/11874