Myoen-ji Mairi 2026

About this event

Myoen-ji Mairi is a signature autumn tradition in Kagoshima that commemorates Lord Yoshihiro Shimazu's legendary 'breakthrough through enemy lines' at the Battle of Sekigahara. It is a traditional event where participants walk a route of approximately 20 km from Kagoshima City to Ijuin Town in Hioki City to pay homage. In order to honor Lord Yoshihiro, who returned after a fierce struggle breaking through enemy lines, to boost morale in times of peace, and to discipline mind and body, samurai from the Kagoshima Castle town (and commoners starting in the Meiji period) began donning armor and helmets on the night before the Battle of Sekigahara (September 14 of the lunar calendar) to make an overnight round-trip pilgrimage of 40 km to Myoen-ji, Lord Yoshihiro's family temple. The pilgrimage continued even after the site was converted to Tokushige Shrine during the anti-Buddhist movement of the early Meiji period (Haibutsu Kishaku). Today, the event attracts over 50,000 visitors with folk performing arts dedications, martial arts competitions, and a family-friendly walk rally. On the day of the event, a heroic warrior procession dressed in full armor marches through the streets, allowing visitors to experience the living breath of history up close. There are plenty of highlights, including the Myoen-ji Mairi Event Tournament featuring martial arts and ceremonial dedications, the Myoen-ji Mairi Festa offering local specialties and food stalls, and the Myoen-ji Mairi Festa Walk Rally for walking while enjoying the autumn breeze.

Venue

Tokushige Shrine

1787 Tokushige, Ijuin-cho, Hioki, Kagoshima 899-2502