166th Koga Lantern Pole Jostling Festival

About this event

Originating from the "Okaeri" custom, where people rubbed against each other to ward off the cold when the Nogi Myojin deity returned to the shrine before dawn during the Edo period when it was part of the Koga Domain, this is a valiant festival. The highlight is the sight of participants vigorously clashing and rubbing bamboo poles together to extinguish the lantern lights attached to the tips of opposing poles nearly 20 meters long. The spectacle of local groups clashing poles vigorously inside a bamboo barricade (yarai) about 10 meters high is also called the "Bizarre Festival of Kanto." Contests of taiko drumming and traditional performing arts are also held, making it beloved as a customary December event. Its origin is said to stem from events associated with Nogi Shrine's "Shichigo-meguri" pilgrimage, where people who welcomed the returning Shinto priests with lanterns rubbed against each other to endure the cold.

Venue

Festival Area

2366-2 Mizuumi, Koga, Ibaraki 306-0215