[2023] 67th Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Field Report. This year's theme is "Tokugawa Ieyasu"!

Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture is one of the castle towns that represent Fukushima, along with Aizuwakamatsu Castle in Aizuwakamatsu City and Shirakawa Komine Castle (ruins) in Shirakawa City. Nihonmatsu Castle (ruins), a nationally designated historic site, has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles along with the two castles mentioned above

One of Japan's largest chrysanthemum doll exhibitions, ``Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls,'' is held at the Nihonmatsu Castle ruins.

What is Nihonmatsu's chrysanthemum doll?

Since Nihonmatsu City was still part of the Nihonmatsu Domain, there were many chrysanthemum lovers in the castle town, and chrysanthemum dolls were displayed throughout the town.

It all started in 1955 when many such enthusiasts gathered together to hold the "Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Ningyo" event, and the venue has remained unchanged ever since, at Kasumigajo Park (another name for Nihonmatsu Castle).

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

The theme for 2023 is “Tokugawa Ieyasu”

The 2023 "Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Ningyo" will be held from October 10th to November 19th, 2021 open every day during the period .

Venue: Kasumigajo Park (Nihonmatsu Castle Ruins, a nationally designated historic site)

At the entrance of the castle is a statue of the famous Nihonmatsu Boys' Team . She also appeared in the NHK Taiga drama ``Yae no Sakura.''

In the past, Nihonmatsu Castle had many changes in ownership, but Mitsushige Niwa , the grandson of Niwa , a famous vassal Nobunaga, entered the castle in 1643. prospered under the Niwa clan's rule for approximately 225 years, until the Boshin War in 1868

Therefore, in Nihonmatsu, Mr. Niwa is still established as the feudal lord of Nihonmatsu.

Minowa Gate is the main gate of the castle. The X emblem on the banner and is said to be a ``different stick.

Near the entrance of Nihonmatsu's chrysanthemum doll venue. Tourist information center...

There are many restaurants lined up. The restaurant had an indescribable atmosphere that made you want to buy and eat!

As soon as you enter the venue, you will immediately see a large number of chrysanthemums.

``Scene 1 Three Tigers'' is a chrysanthemum doll with the theme of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This depicts the birth of Ieyasu.

In this way, famous scenes from Ieyasu's birth to his prosperity are expressed through chrysanthemum dolls.

• Scene 1 Three tigers
• Scene 2 Nobunaga and Ieyasu
• Scene 3 Oshu Punishment
• Scene 4 Ooku
• Scene 5 Four Heavenly Kings
• Scene 6 Peace and Peace
• Scene 7 Bell corridor

Since it is set in the Tohoku region, I get the impression that the most effort was put into Scene 3, the Oshu punishment If you are interested, please come and visit the venue.

This time I visited October 12th , so it was still early in the event, so there were some exhibits where the chrysanthemums weren't in full bloom, but it would be pretty beautiful if they were all in full bloom!

I also encountered some unusual situations like this. …Tokugawa Iemitsu is missing.

When I get closer...

Nearby, Tokugawa Iemitsu was being dressed up. It may be a rare experience to be able to encounter a situation like this!

Some remind me of Mummy Mouse. I don't know if it's okay to touch it, but it will be beautiful when all the chrysanthemums are in bloom! There are three of them, but are the chrysanthemums different colors?

After seeing the chrysanthemum dolls, let's go to the castle tower and historical tourist facilities!

The venue for the chrysanthemum doll 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 Mt. Bandai.

If you walk, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes to climb the mountain from the venue, which is quite strenuous, but it is also possible to climb by car to the area near the castle tower.

There are also Japanese paper chrysanthemum dolls at the Nihonmatsu City historical tourism facility!

Chrysanthemum dolls made from Kamikawasaki Japanese paper are also on display at the Nihonmatsu City History and Tourism Facility, a tourist facility located across from the Nihonmatsu Castle ruins Next to the dolls, floats from the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival are also on display and are worth a look.

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

summary

I took all the pictures of the chrysanthemum dolls, but I decided to keep them to a minimum because 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.

For those who are interested in castle touring, I think it would be a good idea to time your visit to coincide with the event being held at this time of year to increase your enjoyment!

Nihonmatsu City is full of attractions, including the Onibaba of Adachigahara , Nihonmatsu Castle dolls it's recommended!

Nihonmatsu chrysanthemum doll <Information>

• Name: 67th Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll
• Location: Kasumigajo Park (National Historic Site Nihonmatsu Castle Ruins)
• Event period: October 10th (Tuesday) to November 19th (Sunday), 2020
• Event time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (open every day during the period)
• Admission fee
  • General adults 800 yen (group discount 700 yen for 20 or more people)
  • Persons with disabilities: 600 yen (Group discount: 500 yen for 20 or more people)
  • Free for junior high school students and under
• URL: Nihonmatsu City Tourism Federation

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