The school year
The festivals, month by month
Hinoki keeps the Japanese seasonal calendar. Each festival is small, hands-on and held at school, and families are welcome at the evening ones.
Moon-viewing evening
Families gather in the yard at dusk with paper lanterns made by the children, and everyone looks for the moon.
September
Sports morning
Relays, tug-of-war and a parade of the rooms, with parents cheering from the edge of the yard.
October
Rice-cake pounding
Families take turns pounding and shaping rice cakes at the New Year, and children make cards to send.
January
Bean-bag tossing
The whole school tosses soft bean bags together to send the cold away and welcome spring.
February
Doll display
A display of dolls in the hall, with a snack at a low table and a story about the day.
March
Children's Day
Paper carp streamers made in every room hang across the yard.
May
Star Festival
Children write wishes on paper strips and hang them on a bamboo branch.
July
Summer dance evening
Families come to the yard for an evening of summer dancing and a shared snack.
August
Visit during a festival season
Ask us about the next family evening when you book a tour.