Katori Jingu Harvest Festival (Niinamesai) 2026

About this event

The Niinamesai held at Katori Jingu is a grand festival of thanksgiving for newly harvested grains, where new crops are offered before the deities to give thanks for an abundant harvest. Ceremonies include the performance of the "Yukyu no Mai" sacred dance by miko (shrine maidens) and ritual offerings of flowers and tea. Known as the Ichinomiya (first shrine) of Shimosa Province, Katori Jingu possesses a historic prestige that shared the imperial shrine title "Jingu" alongside Ise Jingu and Kashima Jingu prior to the Meiji period, and features expansive shrine grounds thick with ancient cedar trees. This festival is an important Shinto ritual that conveys the spirit of gratitude for the harvest handed down from ancient times to the modern day.

Venue

Katori Shrine (Katori Jingu)

1697 Katori, Katori, Chiba 287-0017