Jinkoshiki Grand Festival

About this event

This is the autumn grand festival of Dazaifu Tenmangu and the shrine's most important festival. Receiving the divine virtue of Tenjin-sama, prayers are offered for the peace of the shrine parishioners and for a bountiful harvest. It is a historic festival started in the 3rd year of Kowa (1101) during the Heian period by Dazai Gon-no-sotsu Oe no Masafusa and has continued unbroken ever since; it is currently designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka Prefecture. During the festival period, in the "O-kudari no Gi" (Descent Ritual), the divine spirit is transferred to the mikoshi (portable shrine) by the head priest and solemnly proceeds to Enoki Shrine accompanied by many attendants. The sight of the attendants dressed in traditional costumes forming a procession is as if a scene from the Heian period has come back to life. The "don-kan" sound of the drums and bells heralding this procession is also the origin of this festival's alternative name, the "Donkan Festival". The mikoshi stays overnight at Enoki Shrine, which is associated with Jomyoni. In the "O-nobori no Gi" (Ascent Ritual), after the miko (shrine maidens) perform the Yamato-mai dance, the mikoshi departs again toward the main hall, followed by a gorgeous procession with sacred children (ochigo-san) and flower floats. When night falls, the "O-utsuri no Gi" (Transfer Ritual) begins, the Take-no-Magari dance (Prefectural Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property) is dedicated, and the divine journey is safely brought to a close. On the night of September 24, the "Koshiki Kensen-sai" (Ancient Food Offering Ritual) is held, and on the 25th, the "Reisai" (Annual Festival) is solemnized. That night, the "Sentomyo" (Thousand Lanterns) is held, surrounding Shinji Pond with countless candles to comfort the divine spirit of Tenjin-sama, bringing the festival to a close.

Venue

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117