About this event
Azuma Shrine is said to enshrine the keepsakes of Ototachibana-hime, who threw herself into the waters of Hashirimizu as a sacrifice in place of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. This festival is a valiant Shinto ritual where the divine spirit is transferred onto horses, and young people hold the reins of the horses while galloping across the sandy beach. Named the "Umadashi Festival" after the "Umadashi" (releasing of horses) ritual, it draws many spectators every year. Preserving an ancient festival form to pray for bountiful harvests, maritime safety, and large catches of fish, it was designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Chiba Prefecture in 2017 (Heisei 29). The sacred horse schedule from last year is attached, and the 2026 schedule will be posted as soon as it is determined. The Umadashi Shinto ritual is scheduled to start from 2:15 PM (tentative). The venues are Azuma Shrine (98 Nishiowada, Futtsu City) and Iwase Coast. For parking, please follow the instructions of local staff.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Azuma Shrine
98 Nishiowada, Futtsu, Chiba 293-0035
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