What it is
On March 3, Japanese families celebrate Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival, by setting out tiers of dolls dressed as the emperor, the empress and their court, to pray for the health and happiness of their daughters.
Katsuura, a fishing town on the Bōsō Peninsula, holds the doll festival on a grand scale. The idea came from a town of the same name, Katsuura in Tokushima Prefecture, which already held a “Big Hina Matsuri” and sent about 7,000 of its dolls to start the Chiba event. Dolls have since been given from all over Japan, and about 25,000 now fill the town each year. The most famous sight is the long flight of stone steps at Tomisaki Shrine, covered from top to bottom in dolls.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Daily, about 9:00–19:00 | Doll displays: Dolls across the town, with hours that vary by venue and day |
| From dusk | Light-up: The doll-covered steps of Tomisaki Shrine are lit up |
Which day should you go?
A sunny day, late morning
See the shrine steps in daylight, walk the shopping street, and visit the big hall of dolls at Küste.
Late afternoon to dusk
Stay at Tomisaki Shrine as the light-up begins.
What to look for
The shrine steps
About 1,800 dolls are set out on the 60 stone steps of Tomisaki Shrine. Local people lay them out every morning.
The great hall
About 7,000 dolls fill the main hall of Küste, the town's arts and culture centre.
Dolls in the streets
Shops on the central shopping street show their own dolls, with larger displays at Kakuō-ji temple gate and the Sumyō crossing.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | JR limited express Wakashio to Katsuura | about 1 h 30 min |
| Chiba | JR Sotobō Line to Katsuura | about 1 h 10 min |
On the day. Tomisaki Shrine is about 10 minutes on foot from JR Katsuura Station. Küste and the shopping street are on the way.
Crowds. Weekends are busy, and the shrine steps are best seen early or late in the day.
Where to stay
Day trip from Tokyo
Easy to see in a day by limited express.
Katsuura
Seaside hotels and inns, for a quieter evening by the Pacific.
When to book. No booking needed for the festival. Reserve limited express seats at weekends.
Book ahead
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Make a day of it
Katsuura Morning Market 勝浦朝市
A market held since 1591 and counted among the three great morning markets of Japan, with about 40 stalls of fish, vegetables and snacks at weekends. Open about 6:30–11:00; closed on Wednesdays and January 1. It is held on Shimo-honchō street from the 1st to the 15th of each month, and on Naka-honchō street from the 16th.
Opening hours change by season. Check before you go.
Practical tips
- Rain. In rain the dolls on the shrine steps are replaced by photo panels. Pick a dry day if you can.
- Fees. Most displays are free. Küste charges 500 yen; junior high school students and younger go free.
Glossary
Hinamatsuriひな祭り
The Doll Festival on March 3, when families display tiers of dolls dressed as the imperial court to pray for their daughters' health and happiness.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Chiba Prefectural Tourism and Products Association (Maruchiba): 2026 Katsuura Big Hina Matsuri (dates, hours, venues, doll numbers, fees, access), https://maruchiba.jp/event/detail_15159.html (in Japanese)
- Chiba Nippo: reports on the Katsuura Big Hina Matsuri and its origin in Katsuura, Tokushima, https://www.chibanippo.co.jp/articles/1167335 (in Japanese)
- Chiba Prefecture, Kenmin Dayori: Katsuura Morning Market, https://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/kouhou/kenmindayori/r6/r6-8/tayori-8.html (in Japanese)
Last checked 2026-10-21.