Fujisaki Hachamangu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

About this event

The Fujisaki Hachamangu Autumn Grand Festival is a traditional festival held in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. In 2026 (Reiwa 8), due to the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake that struck on July 28, the festival's greatest highlight, the Shinkoshiki (the sacred procession, including the Zuibyo warrior escort parade and the decorated horses), has been cancelled, along with the dedication and ornament display of the decorated horses (Kazariuma Hono and Kazarioroshi). The shrine rituals and dedicatory performances will still be conducted solemnly on September 13 (Sun), 14 (Mon), 15 (Tue), 19 (Sat), and 20 (Sun). On September 13, the Day 1 Festival (Dai-ichi-nichi-sai) begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by the lion ornament display (Shishi Kazarioroshi) by the Shinmachi Shishi Preservation Society, designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kumamoto City, at 11:00 a.m., a dedicated dance (Hono Buyo) by the Fujima Komi troupe at the main shrine's Noh stage at 2:00 p.m., and the Great Kagura (Daikagura) by the Higo Kagura Preservation Society at 3:00 p.m. On September 14, the Day 2 Festival (Dai-ni-nichi-sai) is held at 10:00 a.m. and the Dedicated Tea Ceremony (Hono Kenchasai) by the Higo Koryu Tekitekisha at 11:00 a.m. (times subject to change). On September 15, the Kenpeisai ritual is performed at 10:00 a.m. On September 19, dedicated flower arrangements (Hono Soka) by the Kumamoto Ikebana Art Association are displayed in the corridors in the afternoon. On September 20, Noh is performed by the Komparu Shoyukai and the Kumamoto Kitakai at the main shrine's Noh stage at 9:00 a.m., and dedicated flower arrangements are displayed in the corridors all day. The dedicated dance and Great Kagura on September 13 and the Noh performance on September 20 are open to everyone free of charge. The schedule of festival events is subject to change, so please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.

Venue

Kumamoto Sochinju Fujisaki Hachamangu Shrine

3-1 Igawabuchimachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-0841