One of the oldest festivals in the world from 328, Tsunomiya festival in Himeji city!!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 26 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 10 years.
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I went to the annual festival of Usuki-Hachiman Shrine ( Tsunomiya) in my hometown, Himeji City.
History
This festival has been held since 328 and will celebrate its 1700th anniversary in 2028！
It is probably one of the longest running festivals in the world.
There are many similar autumn festivals in the area.
Gorgeous
This festival, however, has the largest number of Ujiko (local shrine followers ) and features 18 gorgeous yatai (carry floats), each carried by 100 people, and 4 danjiri (pull floats), which are used for entertainment on it like dancing and singing.
Date
The festival is held on October 21 and 22 every year, and all schools and companies are closed on these days.
Other local festivals are changed to Saturdays and Sundays to make it easier for everyone to participate, but this festival does not change the schedule of the shrine deities.
Lanterns fight
On the 21st, a lantern procession from neighboring towns visits the shrine at night, which is mysterious and fantastic.
Finally they strike each lantern and brake them!
Portable shrines gathering
On the 22nd, 18 portable shrines will gather from each village for the shrine.
Around the shrine ground , 100 people carrying the floats join forces, lift them up, and present them to the gods.
Powerful
I have participated in many festivals throughout Japan, but this one, which I have known since I was a child, is the best.
The gorgeousness of the portable shrine , the powerful and well-coordinated movements of the carriers.
You cannot feel this power in other festivals.
If you are traveling to Himeji Castle on this day, you should definitely come to the festival at Usuki Shrine.
This 4th century festival is very impressive!
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!
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