Kinokawa Nagashi-bina

The Kinokawa Nagashi-bina is a traditional Peach Festival ceremony held at Kokawa-dera Temple, the 3rd station of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Citizens and children offer paper hina dolls inscribed with their wishes at a special altar, praying for children's healthy growth and community safety, before floating the dolls down the Kinokawa River. Founded in 770, Kokawa-dera is an ancient temple with a main hall and garden designated as Important Cultural Properties. The sight of paper hina dolls drifting on the gentle spring current of the Kinokawa River is a beloved seasonal tradition of Wakayama.