Togae Festival at Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine

About this event

This is the annual grand festival of Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine held every year on October 5. The name "Togae" is said to originate from when the deity was invited from Usa Hachimangu Shrine in Oita Prefecture as a guardian deity during the construction of the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple, and the portable shrine was temporarily enshrined at Todai-ji Temple's Tegaimon Gate as an otabisho (temporary sacred resting place). During the festival, Shinto rituals are held at Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine, followed by rituals welcoming the portable shrine at Tegaimon Gate. Another highlight is the special public unveiling of the seated wooden statue of the Shinto-Buddhist deity Hachiman (National Treasure), which was moved to Todai-ji Temple due to the ordinance separating Shinto and Buddhism in the early Meiji period, at Todai-ji's Kanjinsho Hachiman-den Hall after the memorial service concludes. In the event of rain, the sacred procession (togyo) and the Shinto rituals and Bugaku dance performances at Tegaimon Gate are canceled, though Bugaku dance may instead be performed at the main shrine of Tamukeyama Hachimangu. As event details are subject to change depending on circumstances, prior confirmation is recommended.

Venue

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine

434 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara 630-8211