Hello Dolly

Today is 雛祭り (Hina Matsuri) - The Japanese Doll Festival which coincides with Girls' Day.

Stages with red cloth display dolls, symbolising royalty and the court in the Heian Period. The top stage holds the Emperor and Empress, the next is three court ladies pouring sake, and the third is of five male musicians. Many houses display the dolls, although the prices of the ornate models can be sky high.

Of course, food isn't far behind; sweets such as sugar-coated rice crackers and candyfloss are munched.