Konoshima Tenjin Festival

About this event

A traditional autumn festival held every September in Konoshima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture. Certified as an Important Intangible Cultural Property designated by Kasaoka City, portable shrines called 'Senzairaku' gather at Tenjin Shrine from seven districts of Konoshima. On the evening of Yoimiya, wrapped in the light of lanterns, the Senzairaku from each district make their entrance into the shrine grounds and parade around with vigorous chants. In particular, the 'Massei,' in which the portable shrine is vigorously spun, has a mystical beauty. During the main festival (Hongu), the biggest highlight, 'Owatari,' takes place, where the Senzairaku from some districts are placed on boats and cross the Seto Inland Sea toward the shrine amid ocean spray. After a powerful 'Massei' performed under the sun, the festival reaches its climax with the 'Sokatsugi.' The sight of all the Senzairaku from all seven districts gathering on the shrine grounds and performing their parade maneuvers simultaneously is breathtaking. It encapsulates all the charms of a traditional autumn festival handed down across Seto Inland Sea islands, featuring enthusiastic bearers and portable shrines crossing the sea.

Venue

Konoshima Tenjin Shrine

5335 Konoshima, Kasaoka, Okayama 714-0044