What age is this origami Hinamatsuri Lantern (Bonbori) for?

About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 7 steps, and takes about 8 minutes.

What paper do I need?

2 sheets of origami paper (dark brown or black for the stand, and a smaller pink sheet for the shade) No scissors or glue are needed.

What is it called in Japanese?

In Japanese it is “ぼんぼり”. The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.

Can I print the instructions?

Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.

★★Easy Seasons & HolidaysOriginal

How to make an origami Hinamatsuri Lantern (Bonbori)ぼんぼりHinamatsuri Lantern (Bonbori)

Bonbori are the lanterns placed on both sides of the hina doll display. Fold a thin stand and a pink shade from two sheets and put them together.

7 steps
about 8 min
2 sheets of origami paper (dark brown or black for the stand, and a smaller pink sheet for the shade)
Age 5+

How to fold

台（こげ茶の紙）：色の面を上にして、たてのななめの線で折りすじをつける
Stand (brown paper): start with the colored side up. Crease the vertical diagonal.
上の左右のふちを、まん中の線に合わせてうしろへ折る
Fold the upper left and right edges behind to the center line.
もう一度、上の左右のふちを、まん中の線に合わせてうしろへ折る（細いはしら）
Fold the upper edges behind to the center line once more to make a thin pole.
下のかどを、うしろへ折る（台のあし）
Fold the bottom corner behind to make the base.
かさ（ピンクの紙）：色の面を上にして、上と下のふちを、少しうしろへ折る
Shade (pink paper): start with the colored side up. Fold the top and bottom edges behind a little.
4つのかどを、うしろへ折って、まるいかさにする
Fold the four corners behind to make a round shade.
台の上の方に、かさをのせてのりではる
Glue the shade onto the upper part of the stand.
できあがり！かさに桃の花とあかりをかいたら、ぼんぼりのできあがり！ 2つ作って、おひなさまの左右にかざろう。
Finished! Draw peach blossoms and a glow on the shade, and your bonbori is finished! Make two and place them on either side of your hina dolls.

Fun fact

「あかりをつけましょぼんぼりに」と、ひなまつりの歌にも出てきます。

Bonbori appear in the famous Hinamatsuri song: “Let’s light the lanterns.”

Origami English in this model

❓ FAQ

What age is this origami Hinamatsuri Lantern (Bonbori) for?: About Age 5+. It is rated “Easy” (level 2 of 5), with 7 steps, and takes about 8 minutes.
What paper do I need?: 2 sheets of origami paper (dark brown or black for the stand, and a smaller pink sheet for the shade) No scissors or glue are needed.
What is it called in Japanese?: In Japanese it is “ぼんぼり”. The word origami (折り紙) itself means “folding paper”: ori = fold, kami = paper.
Can I print the instructions?: Yes. “Print the diagram” puts every step on one page (or a PDF), and the practice sheet has the crease lines printed on the paper. Free for home and classroom use.