About this event
Held in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the "Chogo Matsuri" features the dynamic "Oni no Oidashi" (Driving Out of Demons) as its biggest highlight. The spectacle of the head family (toya) demon and the other young people pushing against each other overwhelms onlookers. At the festival's climax, a procession (owatari) to the Otabisho takes place, with demons accompanying the front and rear of the portable shrine (mikoshi), followed by the Toya Lion and festival floats (yatai). At the Otabisho, the Toya Lion dances, enlivening the festival. Furthermore, on the way back from the festival at the horse riding grounds (baba), each participating group performs lion dances simultaneously, captivating spectators with their splendid skill. This festival is a regionally distinctive event that combines traditional Shinto rituals with the enthusiasm of the local residents.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Chogo Hachiman Shrine
Kogamoto, Hidakagawa, Hidaka District, Wakayama 644-1143
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