An on-site report on Nihonmatsu's chrysanthemum dolls. The theme for 2023 is Tokugawa Ieyasu!

Nihonmatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture is one of Fukushima's most famous castle towns, along with Aizuwakamatsu Castle in Aizuwakamatsu City and Shirakawa-gomine Castle (ruins) in Shirakawa City. Nihonmatsu Castle (ruins) , has been selected as Japan's 100 Most Famous Castles, along with the aforementioned two castles

Japan's largest chrysanthemum doll exhibition "Ninohe Chrysanthemum Dolls," is held at the site of the Niinohe Castle ruins.

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What are the Nihonmatsu chrysanthemum dolls?

Even back when Nihonmatsu City was still the Nihonmatsu Domain, there were many chrysanthemum lovers in the castle town, and chrysanthemum dolls were displayed all over town

With so many enthusiasts gathering together, the event was first held in 1955 (Showa 30) as the "Ninohematsu Chrysanthemum Dolls," and the venue has remained the same ever since: Kasumigajo Park (another name for Ninohematsu Castle).

In recent years, a theme has been set each year, and famous scenes related to that theme are expressed using chrysanthemum dolls. By the way, the theme for 2022 is "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter ," and the theme for 2023 is "Tokugawa Ieyasu"

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The theme for 2023 is "Tokugawa Ieyasu"

The 2023 Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls will be held from October 10th to November 19th, 2023 , and open every day during this period .

The venue is Kasumigajo Park (a nationally designated historic site, the ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle)

At the entrance to the castle is the famous statue of the Nihonmatsu Youth Corps which also appeared in "Yae no Sakura."

In the past, Nihonmatsu Castle saw its owner change hands frequently, but Niwa Mitsushige the grandson Niwa Nagahide, a famous vassal of Oda Nobunaga prospered under the rule of the Niwa clan for approximately 225 years until the Boshin War in 1868

Therefore, is still established as the lord of Ninohe

Minowa Gate is the main gate of the castle. The X crest on the banner is the Niwa family crest, known as the "Difference Stick.

Near the entrance to the Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls venue. Tourist information center and..

There are rows of restaurants lined up. The restaurants have a great atmosphere that makes you want to buy some food and drink!

As soon as you enter the venue, you will see a huge number of chrysanthemum flowers

"Scene 1: Three Tigers" is a chrysanthemum doll themed on Tokugawa Ieyasu. It depicts the birth of Ieyasu

In this way, the chrysanthemum dolls depict famous scenes from Ieyasu's birth to his prosperity

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• Scene 1 Three tigers
• Scene 2 Nobunaga and Ieyasu
• Scene 3: Oshu Punishment
• Scene 4: Ooku
• Scene 5: The Four Heavenly Kings
• Scene 6: Peace and prosperity
• Scene 7: Suzu Corridor

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Being set in the Tohoku region, it seems that the most effort was put into scene 3, the Oshu punishment

I visited October 12th , so the exhibition had just started, and some of the chrysanthemums had not yet fully bloomed, but it would be really beautiful if they were all in full bloom!

I also came across this unusual scene: Tokugawa Iemitsu was not there

When you get closer..

Nearby, Tokugawa Iemitsu was being dressed up. It must be a rare experience to witness such a scene!

There was also one that reminded me of Mickey Mouse. I'm not sure if it's okay to touch it, but it would be beautiful when the chrysanthemums bloom! There were three of them, but I wonder if the chrysanthemums are different colors?

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After seeing the chrysanthemum dolls, be sure to visit the castle tower and historical tourist facilities!

The venue for the chrysanthemum dolls is at the foot of Nihonmatsu Castle, but if you make the effort to climb up to the castle tower, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of Nihonmatsu city as well as Mount Bandai.

If you walk, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes up the mountain from the venue, which is quite strenuous, but it is also possible to drive up to the castle tower area

Nihonmatsu City Historical Tourism Facility also has Japanese paper chrysanthemum dolls!

Opposite the ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle, the Nihonmatsu City Historical Tourist Facility displays chrysanthemum dolls made from Kamikawasaki washi paper Next a float from the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival on display, which is well worth a look.

At the shop on the second floor, you can purchase souvenirs, from Nihonmatsu's traditional crafts to food

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summary

I took photos of all the chrysanthemum dolls, but I decided to post only a few as I wanted people to see them in person

It was my first time seeing Nihonmatsu Castle, and the impressive stone walls and the view from the castle tower were both amazing

If you're interested in visiting castles, it would be a great idea to time your visit to coincide with this event, as it will add to your enjoyment!

things including the Onibaba of Adachihara , Nihonmatsu Castle , and the chrysanthemum dolls. I highly recommend it!

Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls <Information>

• Name: 67th Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival
• Location: Kasumigajo Park (Nationally designated historic site, Nihonmatsu Castle ruins)
• Event period: Tuesday, October 10th to Sunday, November 19th, 2023
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (open every day during the period)
• Admission fee
  • Adults: 800 yen (group discount 700 yen for groups of 20 or more)
  • Disabled: 600 yen (group discount 20 or more: 500 yen)
  • Junior high school students and younger: Free
• URL: Nihonmatsu City Tourism Association

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