A report from the 67th Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival. The theme for 2023 is Tokugawa Ieyasu!

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

The Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Exhibition, one of Japan's largest chrysanthemum doll exhibitions , is held at the site of the former Nihonmatsu Castle.

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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

Many enthusiasts gathered together, and the event was first held in 1955 (Showa 30) as "Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls." Since then, the venue has remained unchanged:Kasumigajo Park(another name for Nihonmatsu Castle).

In recent years, they have adopted a theme each year, and the idea is to "express famous scenes related to that theme using chrysanthemum dolls." Incidentally, the theme for 2022 was "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 Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival in 2023 will be held from October 10th to November 19th, 2023 , and will be open every day during that period .

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

At the entrance to the castle stands a statue of the famous Nihonmatsu Boys' Brigade . They also appeared in the NHK historical drama "Yae no Sakura."

Nihonmatsu Castle had seen frequent changes in its lord in the past, but in 1643, Niwa Mitsushige , the grandson of Niwa Nagahide (famous as a retainer of Oda Nobunaga), took control. From then on, the Nihonmatsu Domain prospered under the rule of the Niwa clan for approximately 225 years until the Boshin War in 1868

Therefore, in Nihonmatsu, the Niwa clan remains established as the lords of Nihonmatsu to this day

The Minowa Gate is the main gate of the castle. The X-shaped crest on the banner is the family crest of the Niwa family , and is said to be called "Chigai-bo" (crossed poles).

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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Given that it's set in the Tohoku region,the pacification of Oshu (Scene 3)seemed to be the most impressive. If you're interested, I highly recommend visiting the venue in person.

I visitedOctober 12th, which was still early in the event, so some of the exhibits hadn't fully bloomed yet, but it must be quite beautiful when they're all in 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 effortto climb to the top of the castle tower, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Nihonmatsu City and even towards 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!

Across from the ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle is the Nihonmatsu City Historical and Tourist Facility, which displays chrysanthemum dolls made from Kamikawasaki washi paper . Next to the dolls , a float from the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is also on display, making it well worth a visit.

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!

Nihonmatsu City is full of attractions , from the demon hag of Adachigahara to the chrysanthemum dolls at Nihonmatsu Castle . Highly recommended!

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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