Hitachi, Japan – The Hitachi Hinamatsuri Exhibition, underway until March 31, has inspired local attractions to engage visitors with the delicious traditions of Japanese sweets and matcha tea. The local tourism association launched the "Hita no Chaka" campaign, celebrating the town's rich wagashi culture, characterized by its historical roots dating back to the Edo period.
Throughout the event, which culminates with the Hinamatsuri doll festival, visitors have the opportunity to experience various activities emphasizing Hita's well-respected confectionery. A stamp rally invites tourists to gather stamps from ten participating shops selling unique sweets, with incentives such as wooden confectionery trays and cutting tools available upon completion.
At the popular Shimaya Cafe, located within the historical streets of Mameda Town, visitors are treated to exclusive samplings every weekend, showcasing local favorites until March 23. According to the tourism association, Hita has long been known for its delicacies, but consciousness around these traditional sweets has lagged, prompting the last two years' promotional efforts.
Notable offerings of this year's campaign include "Sobamanju," soft buns filled with buckwheat, and "Tenryo Monaka," crispy wafers with marshmallow filling. Other enticing treats comprise "Dansō," which features sweet red bean paste wrapped with matcha rakugan, and "Kameyama," baked goods with nuts attached to sweet bean balls. Each of these items carries with it the legacy of local recipes carefully passed down through generations.
The stamp rally functions through simple logistics: visitors receive a collection booklet to chart their purchases from all ten shops. Once they’ve collected stamps from all locations, they present their booklet at the tourism association office near JR Hita Station to claim their prizes. The initiative is aimed at enriching visitor experience and promoting local culinary artisanship.
At Shimaya, not only can patrons purchase tea confections and high-quality sencha, but they can also engage in educational events. A highlight will be the "Spring Tea Gathering" scheduled for March 9, where participants can learn about the traditional tea preparation process from certified instructors of the Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony. This unique experience includes tea tasting of all ten participating sweets.
Those interested should note the tea gathering is divided across two sessions, starting at 11 AM and 3 PM, with spots limited to eight participants per session. The fee for joining amounts to 3,000 yen, and inquiries can be directed to the tourism association at (0973-22-2036).
The local tourism association ardently emphasizes, "Why not take a breather with Hita's sweets and tea brewed with our crystal-clear waters?" Such cultural explorations not only highlight the town’s sweet heritage but also invite attendees to partake in Japan’s flourishing tradition of tea and confection.
Local businesses are optimistic about the campaign's impact, hoping to both introduce the community's confections to new audiences and rekindle fond memories among returning visitors. The event is seen as more than just promotional; it’s about preserving and sharing the significance of Hita’s wagashi with the world.
With the combination of cultural festivities and culinary delight, this year’s Hitachi Hinamatsuri Exhibition is set to be intellectually fulfilling and exquisitely tasty, drawing food lovers and culture seekers alike to experience the art of Japanese sweetness.