Takeuchi Shrine Annual Grand Festival

About this event

The Takeuchi Shrine Annual Grand Festival, a traditional festival handed down in the Fusa district of Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture, originated during the Kyoho era (1716–1736) and holds a history of approximately 300 years. Five local districts—Kamicho, Fusa 1-chome, 2-chome, 3-chome, and Yamato-cho—take turns serving as the duty district to carry the shrine's mikoshi (portable shrine). The other districts parade their respective festival floats through the town. In particular, the procession of the mikoshi and floats along the Narita Kaido (National Route 356) bustles with numerous spectators. One of the highlights of the festival is watching the mikoshi ascend and descend the steep, narrow stone stairway leading to Takeuchi Shrine. The sight of the multi-ton mikoshi navigating the 53 stone steps is breathtaking, drawing large crowds during the Miyadashi (departure from the shrine) on the first day and the Miyairi (return to the shrine) on the final day. In addition, on the middle and final days, joint performances of floats by the five town neighborhood associations take place, and the ohayashi festival music performed atop the floats is impressive to watch. On the final day, the mikoshi and floats gather together in the parking lot of Naritaya Shokusaikan Fusa Store for a joint performance. An alluring women's mikoshi also appears, further enlivening the festival.

Venue

Takeuchi Shrine

1220 Fusa, Abiko, Chiba 270-1101