How to Celebrate Hinamatsuri with Traditional Japanese Food

Hinamatsuri (雛祭り), also known as Japan’s Doll Festival, is a cherished celebration that brings families together to wish for the health and happiness of young girls.

One of the most delightful aspects of this festival is the array of Japanese traditional food that fills the table, each dish carrying deep cultural and symbolic meanings. 
From the beautifully arranged chirashi sushi to the sweet, delicate sakura-mochi, these foods embody the essence of Japanese wagashi, Japanese pottery, and seasonal traditions.

Whether served on elegant Japanese ceramic tableware or enjoyed as part of family gatherings, these culinary delights not only enhance the festive spirit but also preserve centuries-old customs.
Let's explore the essential dishes that make Japan’s Hinamatsuri so special!

Clam Clear Soup 

Clam Clear Soup (蛤の御吸物, Hamaguri no Osuimono) is a classic ceremonial dish enjoyed during the Doll Festival. But why clams, of all shellfish? It turns out there's a beautiful symbolism behind it. 

Clam shells naturally come in matching pairs and won’t fit with any other shell, making them a perfect metaphor for lifelong partnership.
Traditionally, when serving this soup, two pieces of clam meat are placed inside a single opened shell. This represents a harmonious married couple and is thought to bring good fortune in marriage. 

A simple yet meaningful touch to a dish that's as rich in symbolism as it is in flavor!

Chirashi Sushi

Chirashi sushi (ちらし寿司) is a vibrant dish that brings a festive touch to the dining table, especially during the Doll Festival (雛祭り, Hinamatsuri).

Its roots trace back to “Nare-zushi” (馴れ寿司), a traditional form of sushi from the Heian period (794–1185 CE). 
Back then, sushi was much simpler, fish was stuffed with rice and left to ferment, often served at celebratory gatherings.

Over time, chirashi sushi evolved into the colorful, ingredient-rich dish we know today, filled with symbolic foods that carry wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity. Shrimp (海老, ebi) represents longevity, its curved shape resembling an elderly person’s bent back.
Lotus root (れんこん, renkon) signifies a clear outlook on the future, thanks to its natural holes.
Other ingredients hold similar meanings: beans (豆, mame) are linked to good health and diligence, while golden shredded egg (錦糸卵, kinshi tamago) symbolizes wealth and abundance.

Beyond its stunning presentation, chirashi sushi is a dish steeped in tradition, with every ingredient carrying heartfelt wishes for those who enjoy it.

Hishimochi

Hishimochi (菱餅) is a traditional diamond-shaped rice cake with a rich history and symbolism. It’s made up of three distinct layers; green, white, and pink, each carrying a special meaning. The colors represent the transition of seasons: green sprouts pushing through the white snow, eventually blossoming into pink peach flowers.

Beyond their visual appeal, the colors also hold symbolic significance:
•    Green = Health and longevity
•    White = Purity and cleanliness
•    Pink = Protection against evil

Hishimochi’s roots go back to an ancient Chinese seasonal festival, where a type of kusamochi (草餅) was traditionally eaten.
The key ingredient in that rice cake was Haha-kogusa (母子草, hahakogusa), a plant whose name translates to “mother and child.” 
However, in Japan, the idea of pounding something called “mother and child” into a rice cake was seen as inauspicious.
To avoid this, the Japanese swapped Haha-kogusa for yomogi (蓬, yomogi), a plant still used in many traditional sweets today.
This subtle adaptation highlights Japan’s unique approach to food, where flavors, symbolism, and cultural beliefs all come together in every bite.

Sakura-mochi (桜餅)  and Hishimochi (菱餅)  served on Shigaraki pottery Turquoise plate 

Hina arare

When it comes to snacks during the Hinamatsuri festival, Hina Arare（雛あられ) is the go-to choice. 

This traditional snack comes in two main varieties, depending on the region: In Kanto, it’s made of puffed rice coated in sugar, while in Kansai, it’s a type of okaki (おかき) seasoned with salt or soy sauce.

Hina Arare is typically found in either three colors: peach, white, and green, or four: peach, white, green, and yellow.
The three-color version, much like Hishi Mochi (菱餅, Hishi Mochi), represents the transition of seasons: buds sprouting from the snow and blooming into flowers. Meanwhile, the four-color variation symbolizes all four seasons. Both versions share a common meaning, wishing for a daughter’s healthy growth and happiness.

Hina Arare（雛あられ)  served on Shigaraki pottery Turquoise bowl 

This tradition dates back to the Edo period, originating from an event called Hina no Kuni Mise (ひなの国見せ). Families would take their Hina Dolls outside on a beautiful day, letting them "see" the ocean, fields, or mountains.
Hina Arare was the snack enjoyed during these outings, which led to its association with Hinamatsuri.

Today, it remains a cherished treat, bringing both nostalgia and festive joy to the celebration.

Shirozake 

White Sake (白酒, Shirozake) is traditionally served alongside Hina Arare (ひなあられ) and Hishi Mochi (菱餅) as part of the Hina Matsuri (ひなまつり) celebrations. 

Its roots trace back to Peach Blossom Sake (桃花酒, Tōkashu), a drink made by infusing refined sake with peach blossoms, originally prepared for the Jōshi Festival (上巳の節句, Jōshi no Sekku). 
Over time, to enhance the peach blossoms’ color, white sake replaced the original drink, and by the Edo period, this custom had taken hold.

Shirozake traditional Japanese sake cups crafted from fine pottery with a flat design.

That said, there's also a tradition of drinking Amazake (甘酒) during Hina Matsuri. Since white sake contains alcohol, it isn’t suitable for children, so non-alcoholic Amazake became a popular alternative. 
This way, everyone, adults and kids alike, can take part in the festive traditions with a celebratory drink in hand.

Sakura-mochi 

Sakura-mochi (桜餅) is a classic Japanese wagashi (和菓子) known for its soft pink hue and the unique touch of a salted cherry leaf wrap.

This delicate confection is a springtime favorite, especially during Hinamatsuri, when its pink and green colors perfectly complement the festive atmosphere. Some believe that enjoying Sakura-mochi during this festival parallels the tradition of eating Kashiwa-mochi on Kodomo-no-hi (子供の日, Children's Day).

One of the most interesting things about Sakura-mochi is its regional variations. In the Kanto region, it's made with wheat flour and shaped like a thin, crepe-like roll. Meanwhile, in Kansai, it's crafted from glutinous rice flour and formed into a round, textured shape. Despite sharing the same name, these differences showcase the rich diversity of Japan’s culinary traditions.

Conclusion 

Hinamatsuri is more than just a festival, it's a celebration of tradition, culture, and the joy of sharing special moments through food. Each dish, whether it’s the symbolic hishimochi, the comforting clam clear soup, or the festive hina arare, tells a story of Japan’s heritage and seasonal beauty.

Paired with exquisite Japanese pottery and ceramic tableware, these traditional foods create an unforgettable dining experience. As families across Japan continue to honor this tradition, Japanese traditional food and wagashi remain at the heart of the festival, connecting the past with the present.

Whether you're enjoying Hinamatsuri at home or discovering its flavors for the first time, these dishes offer a delicious glimpse into the richness of Japan’s cultural celebrations.