Tamamura Hachimangu Autumn Festival: Annual Grand Festival, Doll Appreciation Festival, and Barley Sowing Ritual

About this event

At the Autumn Grand Festival held at Tamamura Hachimangu Shrine, the Doll Appreciation Festival (Ningyo Kansha Taisai) and the Barley Sowing Ritual (Mugimaki Goshinji) are conducted. During the Doll Appreciation Festival, the spirits of cherished dolls and stuffed animals are soothed, and they are dedicated with feelings of gratitude, alongside prayers for the healthy growth of children. In recent years, in conjunction with this festival, the 'Toro Yoi Matsuri' (Lantern Evening Festival) hosted by 'Machi-zukuri Tamamura Juku' has also been held, where over 1,000 handmade lanterns made from recycled plastic bottles by students are lined up along the shrine approach, creating a magical atmosphere. At the Lantern Evening Festival, gagaku (ancient imperial court music) performances by 'Joshu Gagakukai' and dragon dance offerings by 'Ryumai-shu' are performed. On the day of the Annual Grand Festival, the chief priest, priests, and parishioner representatives process toward the main shrine building led by sho, hichiriki, and ryuteki wind instruments. The solemn ritual is performed amid the elegant sounds of gagaku music to give thanks for the autumn harvest and pray for the prosperity of parishioners and worshippers. Following the ceremony, a dragon dance offering by Ryumai-shu is also performed on the shrine grounds.

Venue

Tamamura Hachimangu Shrine

1 Shimoshinden, Tamamura-machi, Sawa-gun, Gunma 370-1132