ASAKURA, Fukuoka Prefecture–About 600 traditional “hina” dolls were displayed on the stone steps at the Akizuki Castle ruins here on Feb. 21 as part of the Hinameguri festival, which runs through March 8.

Early in the morning that day, staffers and selected tourists began lining up the hina dolls on the steps in front of the Nagayamon gate of the ruins, which is famed for its autumn leaves and cherry blossoms.

Applause and cheers erupted once all the dolls were in place.

According to the Asakura Tourism Association, the unused hina dolls were collected with the cooperation of local residents.

On busy days, about 1,000 tourists visit the Akizuki district, which is also known as the Little Kyoto of Chikuzen (present-day Fukuoka Prefecture).

“In recent years, many people bring their pets to take photos,” said an association official.

During the Hinameguri festival, the kimono-clad dolls are on show at many locations in the Akizuki district.

The display at the Nagayamon gate will be held on weekends, holidays and March 3, or Girls’ Day, until March 8.