[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack Making
How about some recreation ideas for older adults to enjoy during the Hinamatsuri season? We’ve handpicked ideas that naturally get the mind and body moving while having fun—such as seated games like target practice and bowling with Hina-doll motifs, shell matching, enjoyable crafts for display, and seasonal snack activities.
These special, season-only events provide positive stimulation for physical and cognitive functions in older adults.
Enjoy time filled with smiles while chatting with those around you.
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[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack-Making (41–50)
Rabbit Hinamatsuri decoration
Crafts featuring rabbits are so cute, aren’t they? They’re a perfect motif for Hinamatsuri crafts, too.
Prepare origami paper with colors or patterns on both sides.
Make some slits and create a donut-shaped ring.
Make a rabbit’s face and attach it on top of the ring.
Add decorations to the rabbit like those of hina dolls.
Try adding items such as the imperial prince’s shaku or the imperial princess’s open fan.
Adding lace around the neck will make it even cuter.
Older adults are sure to smile as they create these adorable rabbit crafts.
[For Seniors] Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) Recreation: Fun Ideas for Games, Crafts, and Snack-Making (51–60)
Hina Doll chopstick rest
Let’s make chopstick rests of the Emperor (Odairi-sama) and Empress (Ohina-sama) by drawing their faces to finish them.
First, fold a small piece of origami paper into a triangle to make a crease.
Open it, then fold the top and bottom corners toward the crease, and roll-fold once more.
Next, fold the right corner inward into a triangle, flip the paper over, and fold both edges of the left corner to align with the first crease.
Accordion-fold the now-narrow left corner to complete the Emperor’s hat! The white side on the back will be the face, so stand up the left corner so it shows, and valley-fold the remaining part along the crease.
If you fold the left corner just once instead of accordion-folding, you can make the Empress as well.
Kusudama hanging decoration
This is a kusudama hanging ornament that gives a vivid and festive impression.
Cut five circular pieces from 7.5 cm origami sheets and fold each in half with the colored side facing inward.
Stack and glue them all together to form a half-sphere kusudama.
Attach a tassel with a ribbon—also made from origami—beneath the kusudama, and glue a band around the center.
Finish by adding a hanging string.
If you want a more glamorous look, it’s recommended to use two types of origami: solid color and traditional Japanese patterns.
Kururinpa: Cute and elegant Hina dolls for adults
This is an interesting craft made by threading the fabric through a slit.
Attach a Japanese-patterned fabric with adhesive on the back to a rectangular piece of felt.
It might be nice to choose patterns that resemble the Emperor (Odairi-sama) and Empress (Ohina-sama).
Cut a slit in the fabric, then loop the fabric and pass it through the slit.
Add a pearl bead to the threaded side to complete the Empress.
You can create a simple yet tasteful pair of Emperor and Empress figures.
The finished pieces can be displayed at a facility or taken home to decorate an older adult’s room.
Hina doll display
Hina doll decorations are origami pieces that can create a festive look through combinations of colors and patterns.
Kimono with traditional Japanese motifs and layered designs produce a calm, refined atmosphere.
In this idea, the kimono is expressed by layering origami and folding the sleeve sections three-dimensionally.
The impression changes greatly depending on how you craft the doll’s expression—whether you give it a gentle smile or a more composed look, its personality will shine through.
Displayed together, they add a sense of the season and vibrant color to a space, bringing out the festive flair of Hinamatsuri.
Placed on a desk, shelf, or wall, they become a subtle yet striking decoration that delights the eye of anyone who sees them.
Hinamatsuri Flower Ball
A flower ball you can hang from the ceiling or simply place on a table as a decoration.
Even with items from the 100-yen shop, you can make something lovely and cute that’s perfect for Hinamatsuri.
Use a glue gun to attach artificial flowers to a craft foam sphere.
Try using artificial peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, or other pink flowers.
Add a ribbon, and it’s done.
Since it’s made from lightweight materials, it might be easy for seniors to handle and create as well.
You can get everything you need at the 100-yen shop, so give it a try.
Hinamatsuri calligraphy card
If you have a brush pen, let’s try making simple calligraphy cards.
Among older adults, some may be skilled at calligraphy or brush lettering.
For those who are good at it, this could be an enjoyable project.
Beyond the beauty of the characters, lettering with character and charm can also make a wonderful piece.
Many seniors are likely to enjoy creating these.
Try writing in colors other than black if you like.
If you paint illustrations with a brush that evoke Hina dolls, the work will be even more fitting for March.