Shimanto River Festival

About this event

Set on the riverbanks of the Shimanto River, this event is packed with water celebrations, traditional ceremonies, and local performing arts. "Hifuri-ryo" (torch fishing), a summer tradition of the Shimanto River, is a fantastical traditional fishing method where sweetfish (ayu) are driven into nets using the light of torches, with the red burning torchlight reflecting on the water's surface creating an elegant scene. In addition, Hata Kagura, one of the "Tosa no Kagura" designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is dedicated; this grand kagura lasting 4 to 5 hours includes rare performances such as the Kogin Dance not seen in current Tsunoyama Kagura. Furthermore, the Itsushika Dance (Five Deer Dance), a local folk performing art originating from the former Uwajima Domain and Date culture, is performed, with children dressed as deer dancing to the resonance of shime-daiko drums in a breathtaking spectacle.

Venue

Furusato Exchange Center

671-2 Showa, Shimanto, Takaoka District, Kochi 786-0511