Hinamatsuri
These traditional dolls, representing the Emperor and Empress, are the centerpieces of the festival display.
Hina-ningyou
This popular soup is made from a fermented soybean paste and often contains tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso-shiru
This is the traditional Japanese garment with long sleeves, worn for formal occasions or festivals.
Kimono
This is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world.
Tokyo
This "welcoming cat" figurine with one paw raised is believed to bring good luck and fortune to businesses.
Maneki-Neko
This colorful, bite-sized "pearl" cracker is a popular snack during the festival, often tinted pink, white, and green.
Hina-arare
This "soup stock" is the foundation of almost all Japanese savory cooking, typically made from kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes).
Dashi
This is the art of Japanese calligraphy, using a brush and ink to write kanji or kana beautifully.
Shodo
This is the name of the famous "floating" red gate (torii) located at Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.
Otorii (Grand Torii Gate)
This mythical creature is a water-dwelling prankster with a plate on its head and a love for cucumbers.
Kappa
This is the name of the sweet, non-alcoholic fermented rice drink traditionally served during the celebrations.
Amazake
Long before modern sushi, fish was preserved by fermenting it in salt and rice for months. This is still a specialty of Shiga Prefecture. What is it called?
Narezushi (or Funazushi)
This traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument is often heard in Kabuki theater.
Shamisen
This temple in Kyoto is one of Japan's most photographed landmarks because its top two floors are completely covered in real gold leaf.
Kinkaku-ji
Often depicted with a red face and an incredibly long nose, this forest-dwelling creature was once feared as a disruptive demon but is now seen as a protective spirit of the mountains.
Tengu
Hinamatsuri is historically celebrated when this fruit tree blooms in early March. In Japanese culture, this flower is considered a symbol of a "noble, composed, and gentle" woman.
Momo no hana
Known as the "Foie Gras of the Sea," this prized winter delicacy is the creamy, rich liver of the monkfish, usually served steamed with ponzu and momiji-oroshi.
Ankimo
This is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, which focuses on harmony and minimalism.
Ikebana (or Kado)
This historic district in Kyoto is world-famous for its traditional tea houses and for being the home of Geisha.
Gion
You will often see statues of this Buddhist deity wearing red bibs and hats. He is believed to be the protector of travelers and the souls of children.
Jizo
During the Heian period, Hinamatsuri originated from this purification custom. People would rub paper dolls on their bodies and cast them into a river.
Nagashibina
This specialized knife, known as the "three virtues" knife, is one of the most common all-purpose kitchen knives in Japan.
Santoku
What is the name of the street theater common amongst children, where the narrator slides illustrated story cards through a wooden frame?
Kamishibai
Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is considered the holiest Shinto shrine in Japan. It is dedicated to Amaterasu and is ritually rebuilt every 20 years. What is this ritual called?
Shikinen Sengu
What is the name of the celestial realm where celestial deities reside?
Takamagahara