Kashima Jingu Shrine Shikinen Grand Festival Mifune Matsuri (Boat Festival)

About this event

The Shikinen Taisai Mifune Matsuri of Kashima Jingu Shrine is the shrine's grandest festival, held once every 12 years in the Year of the Horse. Its origins date back to the ancient era of the "Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki," and it is considered an eternal Shinto ritual that has continued for over 2,000 years. Carrying the divine spirit of the enshrined deity Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, a mikoshi (portable shrine) travels via land and water routes, and the Katori Jingu Welcoming Festival is conducted. The festival's greatest highlight is the magnificent water procession where a fleet of approximately 100 boats advances in a line. The sight of the fleet decorated with big-catch flags and banners charging across the water evokes the imagery of a Heian period picture scroll. Furthermore, the Katori Jingu Welcoming Festival, which conveys to this day the deep connection between Kashima Jingu and Katori Jingu, attracts attention as a very rare Shinto ritual in Japan. After a voyage of about two hours, the fleet arriving at the opposite shore is solemnly welcomed on the water by the head priest and Shinto priests of Katori Jingu Shrine. This celebration is a symbolic event demonstrating the deep relationship between the deities of both shrines. The festival is observed from September 1 to 3, and various Shinto rituals are conducted, including the Chokushi Sankan Reisai (Imperial Envoy Attendance Regular Festival), Shinkosai, Mifune Matsuri, Angyosai, and Kankosai. In particular, during the Mifune Matsuri on September 2, the deity is transferred to the Gozabune (sacred boat), and the water procession takes place. In the overland procession, the divine parade where approximately 2,500 people march in line is also one of the highlights. During the festival period, commemorative Goshuin for the Shikinen Taisai Mifune Matsuri, "Shikinen Taisai Sogu-mamori" amulets uniting the deities of Kashima Jingu and Katori Jingu, Goshuin-cho stamp books designed by singer Nanase Aikawa, and Mifune Matsuri fortune slips modeled after the sacred boat are also granted. On this precious occasion, you can experience firsthand the tradition, culture, and significance of the Shinto rituals of Kashima Jingu Shrine.

Venue

Kashima Jingu Shrine

2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima, Ibaraki 314-0031