Mitsue Shrine Autumn Grand Festival (Kounushi Festival)

About this event

Held in Mitsue Village, Nara Prefecture, the "Mitsue Shrine Autumn Grand Festival (Kounushi Festival)" is a traditional festival rooted in the local community. The taikodai drum floats parading through the Kounushi district are one of the highlights symbolizing the festival's vitality. Scenes of children riding the drum floats shouting energetic cheers and receiving celebratory gifts (goshugi) from residents allow visitors to directly feel the sense of unity in the festival. The "nerikomi," in which the taikodai enters the shrine grounds and rushes vigorously around the premises, is full of thrilling impact. There are also opportunities to participate as a bearer, offering a valuable experience to directly take part in the festival. At the end of the festival, a raffle lottery and a mochi-tossing event (mochimaki) are held to entertain visitors. In the past, dedications of Ise Dai-Kagura performances were also held. In the area around the festival venue, visitors can also enjoy bus stops painted with Mitsue Village's mascot character "Tsuemi-chan," roadside stations lined with local specialty goods, and hot springs.

Venue

Mitsue Village

Mitsue-mura, Uda-gun, Nara