Tanobe Tenmatsuri Festival

About this event

This is a traditional festival that has continued since the early Edo period in the Tanobe district of Ichikai Town, Tochigi Prefecture. Held over two days in late August near Nihyakutoka (the 210th day of the agricultural calendar), it serves as a wind-appeasing festival to pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and safety for households and the local community. The festival's main highlight is the vigorous 'Hadakamomi' (bare-chested jostling), which is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Ichikai Town. In the 'Hadakamomi' held on the night of the first day, men clash against one another accompanied by energetic shouts. Another notable feature is the carved wooden festival float called 'Tendana,' assembled within the grounds of Takaokami Shrine. The second floor is decorated with hanging scrolls of the Sun Deva (Nitten), Moon Deva (Gatten), and Twelve Heavenly Deities (Juniten), along with offerings, ceremonial lights, and sacred sake. Festive hayashi music featuring taiko drums, flutes, and hand gongs echoing from beneath the float adds to the festival excitement. The sight of local parishioners carrying lanterns as they circle the Tendana conveys the long-cherished atmosphere of the festival. A rite of passage known as 'Kakikae' is also conducted, where second-year junior high school students are recognized as adults and become official members of the shrine parishioners.

Venue

Tanobe

Tanobe, Ichikai, Haga District, Tochigi 321-3412