Isonokami Jingu Shrine "Furu Matsuri"

About this event

The largest festival of Isonokami Jingu Shrine, also known as "Furu Matsuri," is a Shinto rite famously called "Tamura Watari," a procession to the Otabisho (Itsukushima Shrine) in Tamachi (formerly Tamura) within the city. The ceremonial procession consists of a total of 200 participants, and the Gohoren (imperial palanquin) that enshrines the sacred spirit is the largest in the prefecture, unfolding a splendid historical pageant. In the morning, children (chigo) dressed in traditional court attire ride on horseback accompanied by attendants to carry gohei (sacred offerings) from Tamachi. Afterwards, the annual grand festival begins at 10:00 AM, where the children present nimae (unhulled rice ears on the stalk) and the offering rite (Hobei no Gi) is performed. At 1:00 PM, the procession departs to make a 4-kilometer round trip to the Otabisho in Tamachi. At 4:00 PM, the return rite (Kango-sai) is performed. A Yoimiya-sai is held on the day before the annual festival, and a Goen-sai is held on the following day.

Venue

Isonokami Jingu Shrine

384 Furucho, Tenri, Nara 632-0014