Tamaki Shrine Annual Autumn Festival (Reisai)

About this event

The "Reisai" (Annual Festival) of Tamaki Shrine is an important Shinto ritual held every year on October 24. The biggest highlight of this festival is the dedication of the "Yumi Kagura" (bow dance), which is exceptionally rare nationwide. Male shrine attendants dressed in miko (shrine maiden) attire with white bows and arrows perform sacred dance and music. As chanted in the verse, "When the bowstring of Yamato's Tamaki Shrine sounds, evil spirits disperse," a sacred ritual is conducted where arrows are shot toward the demon gate (northeast) to ward off evil. In addition to the Yumi Kagura, the festival features the procession of portable shrines (mikoshi togyo), mochi-pounding dances, and mochi-tossing (mochimaki), bustling with many worshippers. Held amidst the beautiful scenery of Mount Tamaki dyed in brilliant autumn colors, this festival offers a precious opportunity to experience firsthand ancient traditional culture and a sacred atmosphere.

Venue

Tamaki Shrine

1-1 Tamakigawa, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara 647-1582