Iwatate Shrine Annual Grand Festival

About this event

Marking 640 years since the 8th head of the Uku-Goto family, Lord Genkaku, transferred the deity to Iwatate Shrine in 1383 (Kowa 3), this is the annual grand festival of Iwatate Shrine, which is currently counted as one of the Four Shrines of Goto. On the first day of the festival, guided by Sarutahiko wearing a high-nosed Tengu mask, young people dressed in white robes carry portable shrines (mikoshi) and parade through the town. On the following day, a Shinto ritual is performed in the shrine worship hall, followed by a dedicated Kagura dance performed by shrine parishioners that has been passed down through generations. This Kagura is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property under the name "Goto Kagura." In recent years, despite facing a shortage of successors, thanks to the efforts of local residents and related parties, visitors can feel the unique excitement of the festival, including the valiant sight of the mikoshi bearers, children running away from the Tengu dressed in colorful costumes, and residents cheering along the streets.

Venue

Iwatate Shrine

240 Kishiku, Kishiku-machi, Goto, Nagasaki 853-0701