Hana Matsuri (Nakashidara, Toei Town)

About this event

This is a traditional Hana Matsuri held in the Nakashidara district of Toei Town, Aichi Prefecture. Strongly influenced by Shinto-hana, it passes down many performances based on mythology. The Yamami-oni is regarded as Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Mokichi-oni as Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, and the Sakaki-oni as Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, with dances dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto's slaying of the giant serpent, Inada-hime, the opening of the heavenly rock cave, and more. On the festival day, Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto visits houses across the settlement, performing henbei steps to pray for bumper crops, recovery from illnesses, and the safety of the community. At the conclusion of the festival, the Yubayashi is performed, where four young boys hold straw yutabusa in both hands, dance, and sprinkle hot water from an iron cauldron. In 2026, Shinto rituals begin at 13:00 on December 5, dances start at 20:00, and the festival is scheduled to continue until 15:00 on December 6. The venue is the Hana Matsuri Dance Yard set up in front of the Nakashidara Nakakaizu Life Improvement Center in Toei Town. Roads leading to the venue may freeze during winter, so winter tires are recommended. The dance start time is an estimate and subject to change.

Venue

Nakashidara Hana Matsuri Dance Yard

14 Nakashidara Nakakaizu, Toei, Kitashitara District, Aichi 449-0211