Ena Festival (Chosen Float Bearer Experience Tour)

About this event

A 2-day, 1-night tour offering the experience of becoming a bearer for the traditional 'Chosen' (Tang ship) float ritual is planned for the 'Ena Festival,' held from October 10 to 11, 2026, at Ena Hachiman Shrine in Yura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. In response to bearer shortages caused by depopulation and an aging society, this tour aims to create a 'related population' by involving people from outside the region to pass down traditional culture dating back to the Edo period. Participants will carry the car-sized Chosen float model as part of the community to the sounds of taiko drums, conch shells, and rhythmic chants, experiencing the exciting collision between the float and the portable shrine (mikoshi). Participants can also take part in the 'mochimaki' rice cake toss to share good fortune with local residents. The tour also offers a chance to experience the charm of the area through a dinner gathering at a local eatery and an evening walk around Yura Bay. This festival is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Wakayama Prefecture, with local residents united in preserving its culture and history. The tour is organized and sold by the travel agency Team Travel Kuramoto, limited to 10 male participants (minimum 3 participants required). Meeting and dismissal take place at JR Kii-Yura Station. The tour price starts from 29,000 yen per adult, with applications accepted until September 10, 2026.

Venue

Ena Hachiman Shrine

669 Ena, Yura, Hidaka District, Wakayama 649-1132