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, various festival events are scheduled from September 13 to September 21. On September 13, the purification ritual for representatives (Sodai Kiyoharai), the Day 1 Festival (Dai-ichi-nichi-sai), lion ornament display (Shishi Kazarioroshi), Great Kagura (Daikagura), dedicated mikoshi ornament display (Honō Mikoshi Kazarioroshi), and town float ornament display (Machiboko Kazarioroshi) will take place. In particular, the Shishi Kazarioroshi by the Shinmachi Shishi Preservation Society, designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kumamoto City, and the Daikagura by the Higo Kagura Preservation Society are among the highlights of the festival. In addition, the Honō Mikoshi Kazarioroshi by the Tsuruya Department Store Mikoshi Club, Shimizu School District Children's Mikoshi Club, and Hanazono Children's Association, as well as the Machiboko Kazarioroshi by the Isshin School District Autonomous Council Machiboko Preservation Society, will also be showcased. On September 14, the Day 2 Festival (Dai-ni-nichi-sai) and the Dedicated Tea Ceremony (Honō Kenchasai) will be held. On September 15, the Kenpeisai ritual will be performed, and on September 18, sacred horse ornament displays (3 horses) and decorated horse ornament displays (Kazariuma Kazarioroshi) are scheduled. On September 19, dedicated flower arrangement (Honō Sōka), purification of the three roles of warrior escorts (Zuibyo Sanyaku Kiyoharai), and dedicated dances (Honō Buyo) will envelop the atmosphere in splendor. The festival climax is the Shinkoshiki on September 20, where a procession of warrior escorts (Zuibyo) marches through the city. Following the shrine relocation ceremony (Miyautsushi-shiki, from the main hall to the mikoshi) and the Shinkoshiki morning meal ceremony (Asamikensai), the departure of the sacred palanquin (Gohasuren) takes place, starting the sacred procession toward the temporary resting shrine (Otabisho). At the Otabisho, Noh plays are performed as offerings, followed by the return procession (Gokankō) from the Otabisho back to the main shrine, and the Gokankōsai along with the evening meal ceremony (Yamikensai) are conducted. All day long, dedicated flower arrangements will be displayed in the corridors. On September 21 (Respect for the Aged Day), the festival concludes with the shrine relocation ceremony (Miyautsushi-shiki, from the mikoshi to the main hall) and the thanksgiving ritual (Hōsaisai). The schedule of festival events is subject to change.

Venue

Kumamoto Sochinju Fujisaki Hachamangu Shrine

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