Kamaishi Festival

About this event

The Kamaishi Festival is a joint festival combining the longstanding festival of Ozaki Shrine and the festival of Yama Shrine, the guardian shrine of the Kamaishi Steel Works. Held annually for three days from Friday to Sunday, ending on the third Sunday of October, it is an autumn tradition in Kamaishi. On the first day, the Yoimiya festival of Ozaki Shrine features kagura ritual dance dedications. On the middle day, the Yoimiya festival of Yama Shrine and the festival's biggest highlight, the 'Hikifune Matsuri' (Boat Towing Festival), are held. This Hikifune Matsuri is a traditional Shinto ritual inherited from the Edo period and is considered the oldest boat festival in Tohoku. Kamaishi Bay becomes the stage as the sacred object is transferred by boat from the main shrine of Ozaki Shrine to the Satomiya shrine in the city, with more than ten boats parading through the harbor centered around the ceremonial ship carrying the portable shrine (mikoshi). Fishing boats flying colorful big-catch flags cruise the port, tiger dances (Tora-mai) and kagura are dedicated on board, and performances where boats approach right up to the wharf can be seen. On the final day, the mikoshi of Ozaki Shrine and Yama Shrine parade down the main street, with over 1,000 people marching along the boulevard performing tiger dances, kagura, festival floats, and hand dances. Lively festival music from flutes, drums, and tepira cymbals echoes throughout the city, bringing the festive mood to its peak. Combining a heroic maritime celebration with a magnificent joint mikoshi city parade, it is a grand festival characteristic of Kamaishi.

Venue

Ozaki Shrine (Satomiya)

3-23-27 Hamacho, Kamaishi, Iwate 026-0013