Odate Shinmei Shrine Annual Festival Dedication Entertainment Event

About this event

This is a festival of Odate Shinmei Shrine with a history of over 400 years in Odate, Akita Prefecture (former Dewa Province). Alongside the Shinto eve ritual (Yoimatsuri) and annual festival (Reisai), elaborately decorated floats playing "Odate Hayashi" festival music parade through the city as dedication entertainment, praying for rich harvests, business prosperity, and family safety. The Odate Hayashi music, performed as splendid floats carrying neighborhood officials, dancers, and musicians parade through town, is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Odate City and is said to trace its roots to Kyoto's Gion Hayashi. Known by the nickname "Rain Festival" due to frequent rainfall, it has long been beloved for firing up the spirits of local Odate residents. Featuring numerous highlights such as the eve festival's "Joint Float Parade" and "Tanosaka Crossing," as well as the main festival's "Float Exhibition," "Stationfront Odate Hayashi Ensemble," and "Festival Celebration Water Throwing," it is a truly spectacular festival.

Venue

Odate Shinmei Shrine

1-5 Nakamachi-Shinmeicho, Odate, Akita 017-0867