Held annually on January 9th, the Maebashi Hatsuichi Festival is a fun way to set your intentions for the coming year. The event centers around daruma, a traditional type of doll which is used for setting goals. When you purchase a daruma its eyes are blank, and once you set a goal or resolution you fill in one eye – the second eye is filled in upon successful accomplishment!
Stores line Honmachi-dori selling daruma in various sizes and colors, and there are also food vendors serving up tasty food and drinks. Last year's daruma are burned in a bonfire as a way of giving thanks and completing the cycle.
There's no admission fee to enjoy the atmosphere of the event, but bring some yen if you plan on purchasing a daruma or other souvenirs and food.
Getting there
The event takes place along Honmachi-dori, which is located 10 minutes on foot from Maebashi Station.
