After leaving “Hina no Yakata” in the Culture Park, I took a little walk along the seashore nearby. After that, I walked back the way, passing a narrow alley, and got to Inatori Fishing Port in about 20 minutes. Many fishing boats were there. Maybe Kinmedai the alfonsinoes are to be landed here ? The Fish Market also stood just in front.
I opened the map again to see where to go, and fortunately found another “Tsurushi Kazari” spot, “Nabura Toto” only one minute walk away. When I reached there, a lady was about to close the door. Almost 17:00. I talked to her to let me have a quick look around. She was so kind as to let me in.

Though not as spacious as the main hall “Hina no Yakata”, it made me feel more comfortable and reassured somehow.

Telling further about Tsurushi Kazari, they put 11 dolls and accessories on one red string. Five strings on one side of Hina Dolls, that is, 55 accessories on one side, 110 on both sides. The culture and tradition since Edo Period still lives in this town, Inatori.
By the way, in the exhibition room, I found a very interesting thing. Mice in the pillar. Cute, aren’t they ?＾＾ Be sure to look for them !

Preserving old traditional cultures is by no means an easy task. I really hope it won’t be lost as long as this world exists.

After leaving “Nabura Toto”, I still walked along the coast. Soon, in about 10 minutes, I found an enigmatic Torii gate.
Though it was already after 5, I dared to hike up the hill. “Inatori Ryugu Misaki Park”, it was named. Maybe, it would lead me to a wonderful view spot, I expected.

Airen Misaki

Dontsuku Shrine

Further 10 minutes took me to a monument at Airen Misaki, the cape. And soon, Dontsuku Shrine and Inatori Misaki Lighthouse ! Spectacular view. Refreshing breeze. What else do you ask for ? Only if I could have a good Onsen hot-spring to warm myself. Next time, I will !

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My walking trail is shown in this PDF file.

Have a good day !

Nabura Toto, the Tsurushi Kazari Exhibition Hall
Admission ： ￥100
Open Hours ： 9:00 – 17:00

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾

In about 5 minutes by Izukyu train from Kawazu Station, I got to Izu-Inatori station, well known for its first-rate Onsen hot springs and “Kinmedai” the alfonsino, and as a birthplace of “Hina no Turushi Kazari” the hanging hina dolls and accessories. Beyond the ticket gate of the station, I saw many people from Ryokan Japanese Inn picking up their guests to their cars or buses. I wished I could have taken one of them.＾＾；

Getting out of the station, I found a large alfonsino statue. For the visitors who don’t know “alsonsino”, it might be nothing but a monster fish.＾＾
Now, I walked down the way toward the sea and turned right at the first traffic light. Good walk again. On my way, I found hanging dolls in almost all stores including restaurants and electric appliance stores. In 20 minutes or so, I got to the main square, “Inatori Culture Park”.

The first thing that came into sight was a wooden lodge. Walking closer to it made me recognize that it was a Ashiyu foot spa ! I slipped off my shoes and socks and got my feet in it. 10 minute rest.＾＾

I could find the main hall “Hina no Yakata” straight ahead. Sakura cherry blossom in front seemed in full bloom. Evening wind passed me. Smells of spring. I took extra 5 minute break for the next action. ＾＾ｖ

Maybe I should explain first what “Tsurushi Kazari” is. As I’ve told you in the last report about Hina Matsuri, we set up Hina dolls with wishes for our daughters’ well-growing up on March 3rd. Now, please see the pictures below. While we basically arrange dolls on the stair-like stage, here in Higashiizu Town, they make it with suspended accessories. And these accessories have profound meanings.

Inatori Map (493KB)

It looks more gorgeous, huh ? All dangled dolls and accessories are handmade. If you watch them closer, you will find how they are shaped.

Rabbits as messengers from the god, hot peppers for a talisman against evil ( euphemistically pointing at men ), monkeys for taking difficulties away, drawstring pouches for enough money and persimmons for their good health. Each has its meaning and that is exactly what their mother or grandmother wishes on their daughters or granddaughters.

It did not take much time to look around “Hina no Yakata”. I walked away there after 15 minutes with enough pictures and headed for Inatori Fishing Port.

Next time, I’ll introduce “Around Inatori Fishing Port”.

Have a good day !＾＾

Hina no Tsurushi Kazari Festival
※From Jan 20 through March 31
Culture Park “Hina no Yakata” main hall
Access from Izukyu Izu-Inatori Sta. ： 20 minutes on foot
Admission ： ￥300
Open Hours　： 9:00 – 17:00


“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾

It’s getting warmer and warmer every day in Shizuoka. I’ve found many things that tell the coming of spring, as flowers, maybe. And yeah, cedar pollen, especially to me because I have a serious pollen allergy. ＞＜ Insects such as bees and butterflies, and the smell of greeneries also make me feel spring around !

Sakura PDF (151KB)

In Japan, nothing represents “spring” more than Sakura, the cherry blossom. Accordingly, there are many spots where you can see hundreds of sakura around. I’ve got almost all major information about Sakura spots in Shizuoka in a PDF so that you can refer to it in planning where to go.

March is described not only by sakura but definitely by Hina Matsuri, the Doll Festival that is traditionally to celebrate girls’ well-growing up. People generally set up hina dolls around the end of Feb in their house with peach branches to have a wonderful Hina Matsuri day on March 3rd. On this day, they have “Hina Arare”, the cubic rice crackers and white sake. White sake includes real alcohol. Young girls take only a few sips only to find out how it tastes but some get adorably drunk.＾＾

Originally, Hina Matsuri was an event to float straw dolls away after removing bad fortune in it. Time changed the custom to these gorgeous dolls that make us think of Japanese wedding ceremony. Mothers often say to their daughtes “You will marry late unless you pack up every doll soon after the Hina Matsuri day” to teach them the importance of seasonal occasion.

By the way, I took a picture of Mt. Fuji today from the upper floor of the building I’m working in. I like it covered with much snow ! The road to the 5th of Mt. Fuji is supposed to be opened around the end of April and from July 1st, Mt.Fuji climbing season will get started.
I’ll keep trying to repot as much information as possible anyway.

Have a good day !＾＾


“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾

So, I walked back to the main pathway along the river wondering if I should get back on the same path. I opened the map and found something intriguing beyond the river. I could have reached there across the bridge nearby but I proceeded further to the next bridge. Sakura, the cherry blossoms were exclusively blooming as long as i walked. I thought I could keep walking for good.

English Map (1643KB)

Anyway, I crossed the bridge and strolled back on the other side of the bank. In 30 minutes or so from “Mine Onsen Daifunto Park”, I got to the first and original tree of Kawazu Sakura.

I could find it very easily because the crowds of lookers-on invaded the roadway and security officers looked so busy in making them get in the sideway. The tree is more than 60 years old and 10 meters high. It is said that a man of Iida family found a young sakura tree in the bank in 1955 and planted it at where it is now. It was named “Kawazu Sakura”, usually pronounced “Kawazu Zakura”, in 1974 because it was found and grown in Kawazu Town.

After leaving the First Sakura Tree, I walked back to the main walkway toward the main event site. There, I bought some souvenirs for my family. I here introduce some unique stuff that you can’t taste outside Kawazu Town.

First comes, though almost typical now, “Sakura Manju”. You know Manju, the steamed bean-jam bun, right ? This comes with a salted sakura leave. It has a distinctive flavor which some love very much but others don’t. Me ? Uh-huh.＾＾；

Next one is “Sakura Udon” noodle. The color is pink as sakura and, believe it or not, minced sakura leaves are mixed in. I’ve not tasted it yet but I can imagine. And “Sakura-ba Okowa” sticky rice. Powdered sakura leaves mixed in. A lady of the stall told me that it would taste better if a pinch of salt added.

By the way, on my way back to the station, I found a splendid fresh squeezed juice. I joined the line unhesitatingly. She was entirely absorbed in squeezing Ama-natsu Mikan − literally means “sweet summer orange” − with a big smile.

I counted how many would be used to make a cup of juice. 2 actually. No additives at all. It tasted extremely fresh, making me feel a breeze of summer.

I walked along the Kawazu River more than 3 hours after all. Please see the PDF map. Good exercise to me.＾＾ Anyway, I had the next destination to visit. I headed for the station.

Next time, I’ll make a report from Higashiizu Town.

Have a good day !

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“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾