Usuki Hachiman Shrine Autumn Grand Festival (Lantern Festival)

About this event

The Autumn Grand Festival, held every year on October 21 and 22 at Usuki Hachiman Shrine in Aboshi Ward, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is known as the "Lantern Festival" (Chochin Matsuri) and is famous for having one of the largest parishioner bases among the Banshu autumn festivals. The festival is a grand event featuring 18 yatai floats, 4 danjiri floats, shishi danjiri (lion float), and 3 mikoshi portable shrines. On the evening of Yoimiya (the festival eve), the biggest highlight is the "Chochin Neri", where 7 villages vigorously clash high-pole lanterns in front of the Romon Gate. On Hirumiya (the main day), the yatai clashing and "Chosa" hoisting at the Otabisho, the Kagura Lion Dance, and danjiri dedicatory performances are held, followed by the yatai, mikoshi, and danjiri returning to the shrine in order. This festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture and is also recommended for those who want to compare the autumn festivals of Banshu. Admission/viewing is free.

Venue

Usuki Hachiman Shrine

193 Miyauchi, Aboshi-ku, Himeji-shi, Hyogo 671-1222