Fukushima Daijingu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

About this event

Coloring autumn in Fukushima Town, the 'Fukushima Daijingu Shrine Grand Festival' is a historic and traditional four-day festival featuring the Yoimiya-sai (eve festival), the ceremonial procession, and the Hon-sai (main festival). In the ceremonial procession, centered around portable shrines (mikoshi), the 'Shikasago Procession' reminiscent of feudal lord (daimyo) processions from the Matsumae Domain era and the 'Yakko Procession' parade through town, followed by festival floats from each neighborhood association. The sight of people dressed in traditional ancient costumes marching along is a magnificent spectacle reminiscent of an Edo period picture scroll. In particular, the 'Shikasago Procession' leading the ceremonial procession is a unique culture of Fukushima Town handed down since the Matsumae Domain era, and is one of the rare traditional performing arts that cannot be seen anywhere else. In addition, 'Matsumae Kagura' is performed during the Yoimiya-sai, allowing visitors to feel the local community's devotion to preserving the festival within a solemn atmosphere. The 'Fukushima Daijingu Shrine Grand Festival' brings together historic Matsumae culture and the passion of the local people. Please come and enjoy the unique traditions and culture of Fukushima Town on-site. In the ceremonial procession, along with the 'Shikasago Procession' established by the Matsumae Domain to pray for continued fortunes in war and the pacification of Ezo (Hokkaido), daimyo processions, yakko processions, floats, and dancers parade through town. The 'Shikasago Procession' is a major performance serving as a purification ritual for the path. The Daimyo Procession is said to have originated in 1574 (Tensho 2) when Fukushima Shinmei Shrine (now Fukushima Daijingu Shrine) was rebuilt, blending Kyoto culture with gestures unique to Ezo, and has been conducted in its current form since 1897 (Meiji 30). The Yakko Procession is a castle-entry ritual parade of attendants marching and gesturing to the tune of Matsumae Kagura's 'Procession Melody' accompanied by shouts of 'Hoo'.

Venue

Fukushima Daijingu Shrine

219 Fukushima, Fukushima-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido 049-1312