Hagi Jidai Festival

About this event

The Hagi Jidai Festival is a major autumn event featuring the "Hagi Daimyo Procession," a traditional ceremonial procession boasting history since the Edo period, marching through the city. Dedicated to the shrine since the Edo period during the grand festival of Tsubaki Kanaya Shrine, the "Hagi Daimyo Procession" parades through the streets. The procession is composed of attendants in yakko (servant) attire, hakama, and kamishimo following palanquins. Accompanied by the rhythmic chant "Isayoo-shi," participants toss and pass feather-topped spears (keyari) one after another while switching holders along the route. At key locations along the way, a zori (straw sandal) dance is performed holding sandals in front of the rested palanquin, and the heroic handling of the Choshu Ipponyari (a long spear measuring about 5.5 meters) is also a must-see. In the afternoon, the "Hagi Jidai Parade" takes place featuring historical figures including successive Mori feudal lords, the Kiheitai militia led by Shinsaku Takasugi, and the Hagi Daimyo Procession, unfolding a living Edo-period historical picture scroll. Highlights particularly include the zori dance at Hiyako Kagimagari, the parade from Chuo Park to Kanaya Shrine, and the dedication of the daimyo procession at Kanaya Shrine. In addition, an artillery demonstration by the Iwakuni Domain Gunnery Troop will be held. This festival offers a precious opportunity to feel as though you have traveled back in time to the Edo period in the city of Hagi, where historical Edo-period maps can still be used today.

Venue

Hagi Chuo Park

552-2 Emukai, Hagi, Yamaguchi 758-0041