Hachiman Festival (Omihachiman Fire Festival)

About this event

"Hachiman Festival (Omihachiman Fire Festival)" is a traditional festival boasting over a thousand years of history since before the town's founding by Toyotomi Hidetsugu. Held annually on April 14 and 15, the 14th is known as the "Taimatsu Festival" (Torch Festival) and the 15th as the "Taiko Festival" (Drum Festival). During the Taimatsu Festival, torches of various sizes made of reed and rapeseed stalks are set ablaze, unfolding a magnificent spectacle that lights up the night sky. Some giant torches exceed 10 meters in height, and the sight of participants brandishing ignited torches in the "Furi-taimatsu" or dragging them forward in the "Hikizuri-taimatsu" is truly gallant. Children's torches are also offered with fire, and the sacred Shin'yaku drums are carried into the shrine. During the Taiko Festival on the 15th, large drums entering the shrine from each district take part in a procession, showcasing drum-striking techniques passed down through unique traditions. In contrast to the grandeur of the preceding day's torch festival, the atmosphere on this day is serene and solemn. Selected as a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this festival attracts widespread attention for its high historical and cultural value. The festival's origins are said to trace back to guiding Emperor Ojin with reed torches during an imperial visit, though various theories exist. Each district's drum displays distinctive characteristics in size, presence of sacred paper streamers (Gohei), and rope knots. In total, 12 districts from the Upper and Lower divisions participate, each presenting unique festival traditions. Traffic restrictions will be in place, so the use of public transportation is recommended.

Venue

Himure Hachimangu Shrine

257 Miyauchi-cho, Omihachiman, Shiga 523-0828