Lovely childcare

[For Preschoolers & Kids] Game, Play, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

March 3rd is Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival.

Some preschools and kindergartens include it as one of their traditional events, and some families may be thinking of celebrating it at home.

We’d love for children to become fond of Hinamatsuri culture while enjoying its festive atmosphere.

So this time, we’re introducing a collection of Hinamatsuri-themed activities, games, and craft ideas that can be enjoyed at preschools and children’s groups.

Every idea is something kids will love.

Adults, please enjoy the traditional festival together with the children as well.

[For childcare and children] Games, activities, and craft ideas to enjoy for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) (61–70)

Hina dolls made with handprints

[Crafts] Make it with handprints and footprints! Introducing Hinamatsuri crafts [Daycare/Kindergarten]

Hina dolls made with handprints

Let’s try making Hina dolls using handprints, construction paper, and origami.

Prepare sheets with handprints in advance, then stick on the faces of the Empress (Ohinasama) and Emperor (Odairisama) along with various parts.

After attaching the facial parts, draw in the eyes, nose, and mouth, and add accessories like fans.

Younger children can enjoy simply gluing on pre-made parts, while slightly older children can have fun creating the parts themselves.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Easy! Making Sakura Mochi

Today's snack is sakuramochi that feels like spring! [Easy Japanese sweets in the microwave]

Easy! Making Sakura Mochi

Let’s make handmade sakura mochi to bring a seasonal touch and liven up your Hinamatsuri party! They’re easy to whip up in the microwave, so it’s a great activity to do with the kids.

Here’s how: put domyoji rice flour in a bowl, add water tinted with red food coloring, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave.

Then shape the dough, wrap store-bought sweet red bean paste inside, and finish by wrapping each piece with a salted cherry leaf.

Having the children make them themselves not only supports food education, but will likely make the sakura mochi taste even better to them.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Easy! Making Chirashi Sushi

[Hinamatsuri Dishes] Easy and Delicious! How to Make Chirashi Sushi! [Japanese Recipe]

Easy! Making Chirashi Sushi

Chirashi sushi has a gorgeous look that’s perfect for celebrations.

Do you think making sushi is too difficult? With just a frying pan and a microwave, it’s surprisingly easy—give it a try! Sauté ingredients like burdock root, carrots, and aburaage (fried tofu) in a frying pan, season them, and simmer until reduced.

Then simply mix the simmered ingredients into seasoned sushi rice and top with sashimi-grade fish, and you’re done! You can even make the omelet in the microwave to save time.

Try making it with your kids and celebrate Hinamatsuri together!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Let’s make a candy lei necklace

Candy lei: a necklace made of sweets for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)

Let's make a candy lei necklace

Let’s make a candy lei using clear film sold at 100-yen shops! Arrange the candies at equal intervals, roll them up in the film, and secure with tape.

Connect the ends to form a loop, and your necklace is complete.

Adding peach blossoms or decorating with origami makes it extra cute.

If you have leftover materials, you can make smaller ones as bracelets.

They’ll also make great souvenirs for a Hina Festival gathering.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

We introduced games and activities perfect for Hinamatsuri that can be enjoyed at daycare centers, preschools, or children’s groups.

Spending Hinamatsuri with children is a valuable experience in itself.

Be sure to have fun while exploring the motifs and origins of Hinamatsuri together with the kids.