Awa Katsuura Big Hina Matsuri 2026: Tokushima’s 30,000-Doll Pyramid
Shikoku · TokushimaTraditional
A scarlet, roughly hundred-tiered pyramid of some 30,000 hina dolls fills a mountain village in eastern Tokushima each spring.
Overview
The Big Hina Matsuri in Katsuura, a small town in the hills of eastern Tokushima, reimagines Japan’s Doll Festival on a spectacular scale. Inside the town’s Doll Culture Exchange Hall, around 30,000 donated hina dolls are banked around an eight-metre conical stand of roughly a hundred tiers — a sea of red and gold that has become the town’s signature sight. The 38th edition runs from late February into early April 2026, giving the seasonal display an unusually long season.
When & Where
21 February to 5 April 2026, daily roughly 09:00–16:00. Venue: the Big Hina Matsuri hall (Ningyo Bunka Koryu Kaikan), Katsuura Town, Tokushima. Nearest hub: Tokushima City, inland to the west.
Getting There
Katsuura lies in the hills southwest of Tokushima City. From Tokushima Station, drive or take a local bus toward Katsuura (roughly 40–60 minutes); a car is the easiest option for this rural venue. Tokushima connects to Kansai by highway bus and ferry, and by air via Tokushima Awaodori Airport.
What to Expect
The towering doll pyramid is the centrepiece, but the wider event spreads dolls through the town, including displays at temples and shops. Many of the dolls are donated by families nationwide who no longer have room to display them, giving the festival a gently poignant, recycling-with-respect character.
Tickets & Access
A modest admission fee applies at the main hall; check the official site for current pricing and any reservation requirements. The hall is indoors, so this makes a reliable cold-weather or rainy-day outing.
Tips for Visitors
Weekdays are calmer than weekends. Combine the visit with a drive through Katsuura’s citrus-growing countryside, and photograph the pyramid from the upper viewing level to capture its full scale.
Access and Map
| Dates | 21 February – 5 April 2026 (09:00–16:00) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Big Hina Matsuri Hall, Katsuura, Tokushima |
| Access | Approx. 40–60 min from Tokushima City |
| Admission | Paid (see official site) |
| Official site | Setouchi Tourism |
Source: Setouchi Tourism Authority
