Inazuma Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

About this event

The Inazuma Shrine Autumn Grand Festival is a traditional autumn festival in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, originating from a legend dating back to the early 7th century. According to the legend, when an army of iron men from a foreign land attacked, a god appeared with lightning to assist a warrior and destroy the iron men; commemorating this, Ochi no Masumi—wearing white face makeup, a peacock headpiece, and holding a bow and arrows—parades around the shrine on horseback/ox-back. One of the highlights of the festival is the "Hayashiguchi Nagashi," designated as an intangible cultural property of Akashi City, in which singers in unlined kimonos sing to the accompaniment of the shamisen at the doorways of shrine parishioners. In addition, the heroic lion dance, designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Hyogo Prefecture, further enlivens the festival. On the eve festival (Yoimiya) on Saturday, October 10, the Okuradani lion dance and Hayashiguchi Nagashi will take place, and on the main festival day (Hongu) on Sunday, October 11, the ox-riding ritual and a parade along the old highway will be held. Although the religious celebration spans two days, only the lion will visit households for Kojin-harai purification on the following day, Monday (National Holiday), October 12. The venue is Inazuma Shrine and its vicinity, accessible on foot from JR/Sanyo Electric Railway "Akashi" Station or Sanyo Electric Railway "Hitomarumae" Station. As no parking is provided, the use of public transportation is recommended.

Venue

Inazuma Shrine

6-10 Okurahonmachi, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0874