In the heart of the Chikuho region, once the pulsating engine of Japan’s coal mining industry, stands a mansion that whispers tales of immense wealth and scandalous romance. From February 7 to March 22, 2026, the Former Ito Denemon Residence—and the surrounding streets of Iizuka—will be transformed into a stage for the Iizuka Hina no Matsuri (Iizuka Doll Festival).
This is not a standard doll display. It is known for its “Zashiki-bina” style, where dolls are not merely placed on shelves but are arranged across entire tatami rooms to create sprawling, narrative landscapes. It is a visual opera of silk and porcelain, set within the home of a “Coal King” and his aristocratic, poet wife.
Unveiling the Essence: A Banquet of Court and Samurai
The festival is a city-wide event, but its heart beats at the Former Ito Denemon Residence.
For 2026, the main theme is “Hina ga Orinasu Kobu no Utage” (A Banquet of Court and Military Weaved by Dolls).
- The Spectacle: Imagine a 20-tatami mat room (approx. 33 sq. meters) completely covered in a meticulously designed diorama. Thousands of dolls are arranged to recreate ancient Japanese tales and courtly rituals. It is immersive; you do not just look at the dolls, you look into their world.
Your Insider Odyssey: The Mansion of Romance
1. The Byakuren Connection
As you walk through the residence, you are walking in the footsteps of Byakuren Yanagihara. She was the cousin of Emperor Taisho and a celebrated poet who was married to Ito Denemon, a rough-hewn coal baron, in a marriage of political convenience.
- The Artifact: Look up in the drawing room. You will see a chandelier bearing the Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest. This was installed specifically to appease Byakuren’s aristocratic heritage. The soft light of this chandelier illuminating the Hina dolls is the festival’s most poignant image.
2. The Kaho Theater & Shopping Streets
While the mansion is the highlight, the festival spills into the city.
- Shopping Arcades: The Honmachi and Higashimachi shopping arcades display their own unique collections, often featuring “hanging dolls” (Sagemon) and handmade creations by locals.
- Kaho Gekijo: If open for viewing (check local status as it undergoes renovations periodically), this traditional Kabuki theater is another stunning venue often associated with the festival tour.
3. The Sweet Stop
Iizuka is historically a “City of Sweets” (sugar was accessible here via the Nagasaki Road). After viewing the dolls, visit a local confectionery to buy Hiyoko (the famous chick-shaped sweet, which actually originated in this region) or Chidoriya buns.
Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Logistics
Iizuka is accessible, but the main venue requires a short transfer.
- The Approach: Take the JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line to Shin-Iizuka Station.
- The Connection: From the station, the walk is too long (about 40 mins).
- Bus: Take the Nishitetsu Bus bound for “Akaike Kogyo Danchi” and get off at “Kyu-Ito Denemon-tei mae.” It is a 2-minute walk from there.
- Taxi: A 10-minute taxi ride is the most stress-free option.
- The Footwear Protocol: This is a heritage home. You must remove your shoes. The corridors are long and can be chilly in February. Wear thick, warm socks.
- Crowd Control: The main residence gets very crowded on weekends. Try to arrive right at 10:00 AM or visit on a weekday afternoon for a quieter experience with the dolls.
Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Feature | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Dates | Feb 7 – Mar 22, 2026 | 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:30). |
| Main Venue | Former Ito Denemon Residence | A National Place of Scenic Beauty. |
| Key Visual | Zashiki-bina | Floor-covering dioramas (20 tatami mats). |
| Historical Figure | Byakuren Yanagihara | The “White Lotus” poet. |
| Access | JR Shin-Iizuka Stn + Bus/Taxi | Don’t walk from the station; use transit. |
| Vibe | Opulent / Narrative / Historical | A mix of industrial wealth and courtly art. |
FAQ Nexus: Essential Knowledge
Q: Who was Ito Denemon?
He was one of the “Coal Kings” of Chikuho. A man of little education but immense business acumen, he amassed a fortune during the industrialization of Japan. His house is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture fused with Art Nouveau elements.
Q: Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. Entering the Former Ito Denemon Residence requires an admission fee (typically around 300–400 JPY for adults). Other venues in the town may be free or have separate small fees.
Q: Can I take photos?
Generally, yes. Photography of the doll displays is permitted (usually no flash/tripods). Capturing the depth of the 20-mat room is a fun challenge for photographers.
Q: What is the “Byakuren Incident”?
It is one of Japan’s most famous scandals. In 1921, Byakuren left her husband Denemon to run away with a younger socialist activist, publishing a goodbye letter in the newspaper. Visiting the house gives context to this dramatic chapter of history.
Coda
The Iizuka Hina no Matsuri is a study in contrasts. It places the delicate, feminine beauty of Hina dolls against the masculine, industrial backdrop of a Coal King’s mansion. As you gaze at the chandelier with the Imperial crest, you are witnessing a fleeting moment of spring in a house built on black diamonds.
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