About this event
Held annually in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, the "Benkei Festival" is a traditional festival celebrating the legacy of Musashibo Benkei in a land deeply connected to him. Based on the legend that Benkei was the son of the Kumano Betto who governed the Tanabe area, various Benkei-related relics have been preserved across the city. The festival began in 1987 (Showa 62) as the "800th Anniversary of the Departure of Musashibo Benkei and the Kumano Navy". During the festival period, the play "Benkei Densetsu" (Legend of Benkei) is performed starting Friday evening, followed on Saturday by a vibrant lineup of events centered around the Benkei Geta Dance and Oniwaka Taiko drums, including the Kishu Benkei Yosakoi Dance and a local products market. On Saturday night, the Tanabe Fireworks Display lights up the night sky as the festival finale. Events take place at Tokei Shrine and various locations across the city, bustling with many visitors.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Tokei Shrine
1-1 Toyo, Tanabe, Wakayama 646-0029
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