Kotohiragu Shrine Grand Annual Festival

About this event

The Grand Annual Festival (Reitaisai), the most solemn and important Shinto ritual of Kotohiragu Shrine—known nationwide affectionately as 'Konpira-san'—is held annually from October 9 to 11. This festival highlights the most important night of the year for the shrine, which boasts a history of over a thousand years. During the festival, the Omiyuki ritual held on the night of October 10 attracts particular attention. Led by yakko attendants waving feathered spears, a portable shrine procession of about 500 people resembling a Heian-period picture scroll—including two male and two female Otounin-san, sacred horses, Shinto priests, miko shrine maidens, dancers, musicians, the Gonin-byakusho, and shokan officials—marches along the roughly 2 km route from the Main Shrine (Gohongu) to the temporary resting station (Otabisho). Popularly called 'Osagari,' this procession draws tens of thousands of worshippers and spectators along the roadside. The tradition of Omiyuki is said to date back before the Edo period, and its solemn spectacle captivates all who visit. The climax of the festival consists of the Yoimiya Festival, the Main Festival (Hon-reisai), and the Return Procession (Kanko-sai), conducted past the 785 stone steps leading to the Main Shrine. On October 9, the 'Yaotome Dance' is performed at the Yoimiya Festival, and on October 11, the horse offering ceremony (Kenba-shiki), Azuma Asobi, and the shrine's unique dance 'Kotohira Mai' are performed. Late at night, the Angu Chakugyo-sai is held at the Otabisho, featuring orchestral music and Yamato Mai dance performances. The following morning, the portable shrine returns from the Otabisho to the Main Shrine, concluding the festivities. Valuing dignity and tradition over showiness, this festival conveys a quiet yet palpable historical weight. Approaching lantern lights and the rustle of traditional robes create an atmosphere that transports visitors to another era. During the festival period, food stalls and souvenir shops along the approach are also lively.

Venue

Kotohiragu Shrine

892-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa 766-8501