Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine Hojoe Grand Festival (Daimyo Procession)

About this event

The Wakamiya Hachimangu Reitaisai Hojoe (Shinkosai) is known as one of Chikuzen's Three Great Hojoe Festivals and is a traditional festival held once every two years in even-numbered years. The highlight is the gorgeous and magnificent "Daimyo Procession" reminiscent of an Edo-period picture scroll, which is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of the city. The Daimyo Procession follows leaders holding chirin rods, with hasamibako (luggage boxes), daigasa (large umbrellas), and tategasa (standing umbrellas) lined up, advancing with distinctive gestures and footwork accompanied by the call "Tozai!" During the procession, there are also scenes where equipment is tossed across to one another, captivating the onlookers. In addition, the heroic "Yamakasa floats (2 floats from Fukumaru and Wakamiya districts)" and "Drum Beating" by children enliven the festival. In the "Oiyama" that marks the festival's finale, the Yamakasa floats dash to the shrine signaled by fireworks, with drums and chants of "Wasshoi" echoing all around. On the first day, for the "O-kudari" (descent), the Daimyo Procession follows the Fukumaru Yamakasa float to the temporary shrine on the grounds of Hiyoshi Shrine; on the middle day, the Yamakasa floats parade around the local area. In the "O-nobori" (ascent) on the final day, the Daimyo Procession departs the temporary shrine, draws sacred water at the Oshioiba purification site, and returns to Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine.

Venue

Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine

396 Mizuhara, Miyawaka, Fukuoka 822-0151