Niinamesai (Hoze Festival) (2026)

About this event

At Kirishima Jingu in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, the "Niinamesai (Hoze Festival)," held every year on November 23, is scheduled for Monday (national holiday), November 23, 2026. This festival is a traditional event celebrating a fruitful year and offering thanks to the deities. As the festival highlight, a children's mikoshi (portable shrine) dedicated by the local junior sports club heralds the opening of the festivities. Following that, visitors will be entertained by a succession of performances: graceful dances by women's dance troupes, a musical performance by the Kirishima Junior High School Brass Band, and deeply rooted local folk traditions such as the bo-odori (stick dance), tawara-odori (straw-bale dance), and hyottoko dance. In addition, a Kirishima specialty market will be held at the venue, featuring food stalls and food trucks, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique flavors and local products of Kirishima alongside the ceremonial dedications. Offering a combination of dedicatory performing arts expressing gratitude for the harvest and the abundant blessings of Kirishima, this festival is a precious opportunity to experience the culture and tradition of the region.

Venue

Kirishima Jingu Shrine

2608-5 Kirishima Taguchi, Kirishima-shi, Kagoshima 899-4201