In the mountains of Oita Prefecture lies Hita, a city with a pedigree far grander than its rural location suggests. During the Edo period, Hita was designated as “Tenryo”—a territory under the direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was a financial powerhouse, home to the “Hita-kin” (Hita Money) merchants who lent vast sums to feudal lords across Kyushu.
From February 15 to March 31, 2026, the Tenryo Hita Ohinamatsuri unlocks the heavy storehouse doors of these merchant dynasties. The festival reveals a dazzling collection of Hina dolls purchased with the immense wealth of the Edo period—treasures that rival the finest collections in Kyoto, displayed within the very tatami rooms where history was made.
Unveiling the Essence: The Merchant’s Pride
Why are the dolls in Hita so spectacular? In an era when displays of wealth were strictly regulated by sumptuary laws, Hina dolls were one of the few permitted outlets for luxury. The wealthy merchants of Hita poured their fortunes into commissioning the most exquisite dolls from Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).
The festival is not centralized; it is a city-wide exhibition. Over a dozen facilities—ranging from museums to private residences and soy sauce breweries—open their collections to the public. You will see not only the classic “Kokin-bina” (traditional court dolls) but also the rare “Okiage-bina,” cloth-pressed dolls unique to this region, which create vibrant, 3D tableaus of Kabuki scenes.
Your Insider Odyssey: A Tale of Two Districts
The festival spans two historic preservation districts, separated by the Mikuma River and JR Hita Station.
1. Mameda-machi (The “Kyoto of Kyushu”)
This is the heart of the festival. The streets are lined with white-walled merchant houses and cedar shops.
- The Crown Jewel: Kusano Honke: The residence of the Kusano family, the oldest merchant house in the prefecture (National Important Cultural Property), is the must-see venue. Their collection is legendary. Note: Their exhibition runs slightly differently, from Feb 14 to Mar 22, and is closed on Thursdays.
- The Vibe: Walking through Mameda-machi feels like stepping onto a movie set. The contrast between the austere white walls and the vibrant red of the Hina displays is breathtaking.
2. Kuma-machi (The Riverside Town)
Located along the river, this district has a more relaxed, Ryokan-centric atmosphere. It was historically the entertainment district. The displays here often have a more intimate feel, housed in old inns and sake breweries that have served travelers for centuries.
3. The “Goten” Difference
Look for the “Goten-bina” (Palace Dolls). Unlike modern tiered stands (hinadan), these dolls are housed inside elaborate miniature wooden palaces. They are architectural marvels in miniature, reflecting the grandeur of the residences they inhabit.
Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Logistics
Hita is a walking town, but it requires stamina.
- The Shoe Strategy: You will be entering multiple traditional Japanese houses. This means taking your shoes off and putting them back on—dozens of times. Wear slip-on shoes. Lace-up boots will be your regret.
- The Ticket Tactics: There is no single “festival pass.” Each historic house or museum charges its own admission fee (typically 300–500 JPY). Carry plenty of 100-yen coins.
- Culinary Fuel: Hita is famous for Hita Yakisoba (crispy fried noodles). The lines at famous shops in Mameda-machi can be long during the festival. Aim to eat early (11:00 AM) or late (2:00 PM) to avoid the lunch rush.
Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Feature | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Dates | Feb 15 – Mar 31, 2026 | Kusano Honke: Feb 14–Mar 22 (Closed Thu). |
| Location | Mameda-machi & Kuma-machi | 15–20 min walk from JR Hita Station. |
| Key Distinction | Tenryo History | Dolls reflect Edo-period Shogunate wealth. |
| Artifacts | Okiage-bina & Palace Dolls | Look for the flat, cloth-pressed dolls. |
| Access | JR Kyudai Line | Direct “Yufuin no Mori” trains stop here. |
| Vibe | Historical / Wealthy / Walkable | “Kyoto of Kyushu” atmosphere. |
FAQ Nexus: Essential Knowledge
Q: How far is the walk from the station?
Mameda-machi is about a 15-20 minute walk north of JR Hita Station. Kuma-machi is about 15 minutes south/west. Taxis are readily available at the station if you wish to save energy for the cobblestone streets.
Q: What is “Okiage-bina”?
These are paper/cloth dolls unique to the Chikugo and Hita regions. Unlike ceramic dolls, they are made by pasting fabric over cardboard or wood forms, creating a raised, relief-like effect. They were popular among commoners who couldn’t afford expensive clay dolls.
Q: Is Kusano Honke open every day?
No. during the festival, the Kusano Honke (the most famous venue) is closed every Thursday. Plan your trip accordingly if this house is your priority.
Q: Can I take photos?
It depends strictly on the house. Some museums allow it; many private residences (like Kusano Honke) often prohibit photography to protect the pigments of the antique textiles from light damage and for copyright reasons. Always check the signage at the entrance.
Q: What else is there to do in Hita?
Visit the Kuncho Sake Brewery in Mameda-machi. You can tour the brewery (which also displays dolls) and sample local sake. It’s a perfect pairing with the history tour.
Coda
The Tenryo Hita Ohinamatsuri is a festival of hidden opulence. As you wander from house to house, you are not just looking at dolls; you are peering into the private lives of the merchants who once held the purse strings of Kyushu. It is a quiet, dignified celebration of a golden age that refuses to fade.
Would you like me to identify the top-rated Hita Yakisoba restaurants in Mameda-machi to ensure you get the crispiest noodles during your visit?