Video introduction of "Nagashi Hina" at Shimogamo-jinja Shrine in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

This video, titled "[Past Video] Kyoto Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine (Filmed in Sakyo, Kyoto, March 3, 2017)" (【過去動画】下鴨神社「京の流しびな」（2017年3月3日撮影　京都市左京区）), was uploaded by "Kyoto Shimbun" (京都新聞).

The Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine, held annually on March 3rd and scheduled for 2026 as well, is a representative traditional event of Kyoto. In early spring, when the cold still lingers, the serene atmosphere above the Mitarashi River and the plum tree buds herald the arrival of spring.

Watch the video to see hina dolls dressed in junihitoe (twelve-layered kimono), male dolls in traditional court attire, and even mascot characters. Made of Japanese paper and placed on sandawara (vessels woven from straw), the dolls are floated down the Mitarashi River at Shimogamo Shrine's Nagashibina ceremony.

What is Nagashibina? What is the History Behind the Roots of Hinamatsuri?

Photo: Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine), Kyoto

Kamo Mioya Shrine in Kyoto, a World Heritage Site, is commonly known as "Shimogamo Shrine." The Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine, held every March, is a traditional event said to be the roots of Hinamatsuri.
Tracing its history, the event originated from "Joshi no Sekku" (Seasonal Festival of the First Snake), one of the five seasonal festivals introduced from China.
March 3rd corresponds to the second of the five seasonal festivals, "Joshi no Sekku." On this day in ancient China, there was a custom of purifying the body by the waterside and holding banquets to ward off misfortune. These ancient Chinese sekku rituals combined with Japanese beliefs in misogiharai (purification rituals), and the custom of praying for good health by floating purified hitogata (paper dolls) down rivers, are believed to have evolved into the modern Nagashibina.

These "hitogata" are also considered the origins of modern hina dolls. The practice of purifying katashiro (substitute forms) and placing them on boats to float out to the sea at Suma is even mentioned in "The Tale of Genji," written in the mid-Heian period.

When is Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine 2026? What Kind of Event is It?

Photo: A Nagashibina doll at Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine), Kyoto

Let us introduce the Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine 2026. The couple dressed in Heian period costumes as the hina dolls are selected from couples planning to marry through public recruitment.
[Video] 0:25 - Hina Dolls Selected Through Public Recruitment

The event is scheduled for March 3, 2026 (Tuesday). Registration begins at 10:00 AM, the junihitoe dressing ceremony is open to viewing from 10:30 AM, and the Nagashibina ritual begins around 11:00 AM. Please check the official website for detailed information.

The Nagashibina ceremony takes place along the Mitarashi River, which flows in front of Mitarashi Shrine (Mitarashi-sha) and Inoue Shrine (Inoue-sha), auxiliary shrines within the precincts. Hina dolls made of Japanese paper are placed in sandawara and floated down the river to pray for children's good health and safety.

Highlights include the public viewing of the junihitoe dressing ceremony, as well as seeing the human-portrayed hina dolls wearing the magnificent twelve-layered kimono and the male dolls in court attire. The Nagashibina ceremony scenes evoke the historical elegance characteristic of ancient Kyoto.

The ceremony is free to observe. Nagashibina dolls are available for a fee (small: 1,000 yen, large: 1,500 yen, including hina arare rice crackers).
[Video] 1:02 - Many Nagashibina Dolls Floating on the River Surface

On the day of the event, amazake (sweet sake) is also served—a welcome treat during the chilly season.

Where Can You See Nagashibina Events Across Japan?

Photo: Nagashibina Hinamatsuri

In addition to Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, Nagashibina ceremonies and events are held throughout Japan. Here are some examples:

●Hina Nagashi at Awashima Shrine, Wakayama Prefecture
Following purification by the shrine priest, hina dolls dedicated from throughout Japan, along with katashiro paper with written wishes, are floated out to sea. Known as "Hina Nagashi," this ceremony uses three white wooden boats. Usually held on March 3.

●Edo Nagashibina by Edo Nagashibina Promotion Association, Tokyo
This "Edo Nagashibina" event is held to pass on traditional customs to children and to wish for a bright future. Please check the website for details.

●Yose no Nagashibina by Yose Nagashibina Executive Committee, Yose, Tottori Prefecture
An event where dolls are floated down the Sendai River on the lunar calendar's March 3rd to pray for good health and safety. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tottori Prefecture in 1985 as "Yose no Nagashibina."

●Heike Hina Nagashi Ceremony at Akama Shrine, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
This "Heike Hina Nagashi Ceremony" is held every March to comfort the spirits of Emperor Antoku and the Heike clan who perished young in the Battle of Dan-no-ura.

How to Visit Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine 2026? Summary

Regardless of era or region, "Nagashibina" has always embodied wishes for good health and bright futures for children. Throughout Japan, purification dolls are modeled after oneself, symbolizing the washing away of impurities in water to achieve purification.

This event is held in March when plum blossoms perfume the spring air. While the ceremonies and customs held in various regions have evolved slightly in each locality, the underlying sentiment has remained unchanged from ancient times to the present. Why not experience Nagashibina at Shimogamo Shrine while enjoying tourism and events in various locations at the beginning of spring 2026?

【Official Website】Shimogamo Shrine｜Kamo Mioya Shrine

【TripAdvisor】Shimogamo Shrine