[For Kids] Easy to Fold! Origami Ideas for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)
The Hina Matsuri, a traditional Japanese event cherished by many, is celebrated every year on March 3 to pray for girls’ healthy growth and well-being.
Some of you may be thinking, “I want to make Hina Matsuri decorations with origami.”
In this article, we’ve gathered Hina Matsuri origami ideas that are especially recommended for children.
We’ll introduce everything from designs that can be completed in just a few folds to projects that, when combined with other items, create authentic Hina Matsuri decorations.
Try making these origami crafts for Hina Matsuri—perfect for enjoying together with family and friends.
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[For Kids] Easy to Fold! Hinamatsuri Origami Ideas (11–20)
Hanging ornaments
Here’s an idea for a hanging decoration with a cute, stylized look.
First, cut pale orange and blue origami paper into circles.
Next, cut the blue circle in half.
With the cut edge facing downward, glue it onto the lower part of the pale orange circle in an arch shape—this will create the silhouette of the male doll (odairi-sama).
Then add hair and facial features to finish it.
Attach a string so you can hang it and enjoy it gently swaying.
Try making the female doll (ohina-sama) and other characters using the same method, too.
Three Court Ladies
These are origami “Three Court Ladies” placed on the second tier of a Hina doll display.
Adding them as decorations for the Doll Festival will make the display even more festive.
Each lady can be folded from a single sheet of origami paper with simple steps.
If you vary the colors of the three figures or use washi-patterned paper to match the ambiance of where you display them, they’ll give a lively impression.
You can also enjoy arranging the finished pieces—for example, by turning them into hanging ornaments.
By the way, the three court ladies are attendants of the Emperor doll.
The items they hold each have meaning, depicting the process of preparing the Emperor’s celebratory sake.
tatami
I tried decorating with origami hina dolls and bonbori lanterns, but something felt missing.
For those who feel the same, I’d like to introduce the idea of using tatami.
It’s true that placing them on flooring or on a shelf can feel a bit out of place.
So here’s how to make it—and it’s quite simple.
Just like making a box lid, create a slightly tall square, then decorate the edges and you’re done.
Of course, you can connect multiple pieces like real tatami for display.
Using various shades of green origami paper will make it look even more realistic.
kimono
This is a kimono origami that seems to offer a variety of creative uses.
In this project, you’ll recreate a kimono using Japanese-patterned origami paper.
It looks lovely as-is for display, but you could also combine it with a head made from origami for extra fun.
Another idea is to cut out the face from a photo and paste it together with the kimono.
I hope you’ll enjoy kimono origami with a free and playful mindset.
Choose your paper while referring to real kimonos or baby kimonos.
Once you master this folding method, it should come in handy during festival season as well.
gold folding screen
The gold folding screen that appears in the lyrics of “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.” It refers to a folding screen decorated with gold leaf, which has long been considered a symbol of prosperity and believed to ward off evil.
Let’s try making a gold screen with origami.
The process is quite simple: lightly crease a sheet of gold origami paper and stand it up—that’s it.
Even though it’s origami, the gold color gives it a luxurious feel.
It’s also nice to display it alongside origami hina dolls, the Empress (Ohinasama) and the Emperor (Odairisama).
hishimochi (diamond-shaped layered rice cake for Hinamatsuri)
Let’s make Hinamatsuri decorations! I’ll show you an idea for making hishimochi out of origami.
What you’ll need: quarter-size sheets of pink, white, light green, and black origami paper, plus glue or double-sided tape.
The folding steps are simple and easy to follow.
Some children might find the step of layering the papers a bit challenging, so it’s best to work together with a parent or teacher.
Use glue or double-sided tape as needed to attach the papers together.
Give it a try!
Hanami dango
https://www.tiktok.com/@sachimama_asobi/video/7345872880980299009The three-colored dango that accompany cherry-blossom viewing actually each represent a stage of the cherry tree: the pink dango symbolizes the color of the cherry buds, the white represents the blossoms in full bloom, and the green represents the leaves after the blossoms.
Let’s make this three-colored dango with origami.
The way to make the dango is exactly the same as making a paper balloon.
Once you’ve made three dango—pink, white, and light green—skewer them onto a wooden chopstick and you’re done.
The steps are simple, so it’s easy for kids to try, too.
Be careful not to get hurt with the chopstick.
Take your handmade dango and have fun playing cherry-blossom viewing together!
Arare box
Let’s make a Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) rice-cracker box out of origami.
First, fold the origami paper into a triangle twice.
Open it up to puff out the triangular part, then do the same on the other side to create the base of the cracker box.
Fold toward the center along the creases to form the wing-like flaps that open the box.
By pressing the creases firmly, the shape will look neat and clean.
It also helps to round the wing sections by folding the corners to give them a softer look.
Give this cute cracker box a try!
Five Musicians
Here’s an idea for making the Five Court Musicians (Gonin-bayashi) with origami.
You’ll need one sheet of black origami paper and one sheet of patterned origami paper.
This guide explains how to fold one musician.
If you make five, you’ll complete the full Gonin-bayashi—give it a try! When folding the kimono, focus on making crisp creases.
The black paper will be cut into smaller pieces, so it’s best to work together with a parent or teacher.
Have fun making it!
cherry blossom petals
Origami cherry blossom petals are a beautiful craft that evokes the arrival of spring.
Fold the paper toward the center.
As you imagine the shape of cherry blossom petals, round off the corners with gentle folds to create a soft look.
At this point, pay attention to the steps where you fold the paper diagonally—that’s the key.
Finally, make small cuts along the outer edge and open it up; you’ll have airy, fluffy cherry blossom petals.
Adding these small cuts is important for a more realistic finish.
If you line up and paste several blossoms you’ve made, it will look like a tree in full bloom and bring a spring-like atmosphere.
It’s a perfect craft for commemorating school entrance or graduation, so enjoy making it!
In conclusion
We’ve introduced ideas for making Hina dolls and more for Hinamatsuri using origami. You can decorate your room with ornaments, wreaths, or hanging decorations, or combine Hinamatsuri-themed pieces to create more elaborate items. It’s also recommended to draw illustrations on your finished works or add patterns with pens. By using washi-patterned origami paper, you can create a traditional Japanese atmosphere. Try making Hinamatsuri origami with your children!