Yaho Tenmangu Shrine Annual Grand Festival

About this event

The Annual Grand Festival of Yaho Tenmangu Shrine is a festival running from September 15 to 27 where you can feel local tradition and vitality. The festival begins on September 15 with the 'Shishi Mukae no Gi' (Lion Welcoming Ritual), from which practice for the traditional ancient lion dance (Koshiki Shishimai) commences. On the 25th, the sacred 'Reisai Shinji' (Annual Ritual Ceremony) is conducted from 10:00 AM. On the 26th, the 'Shishimai Yoimiya Mairi' takes place from 8:00 PM, where parishioners gather with lanterns and perform the special 'Koshiki Shishimai' ritual, circling the main hall clockwise three times led by high-pole lanterns and iron rods. After the Yoimiya Mairi concludes, the ancient lion dance, handed down since the Heian period, is performed on the shrine grounds. On the 27th, the 'Manto Gyoretsu' (Lantern Float Procession) begins at noon, leading the lion dance procession. One lantern float from each neighborhood association plus several children's lantern floats, totaling about 12 to 13 floats, parade heroically for about 2 hours from the Yaho Station rotary to the Yaho Tenmangu Shrine grounds. From around 3:00 PM, the 'Koshiki Shishimai', said to have been first performed at this shrine in the 3rd year of Tenryaku (949), is dedicated. This lion dance is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kunitachi City and is one of the festival's main highlights. In addition, 'Honogin' (poetry recitation by Kunitachi Ginei Federation) and 'Kagura Hono / Engei' (sacred dance dedication and entertainment at the Kagura-den) will be held, adding color to the festival. The Annual Grand Festival is an important Shinto ritual praying for bountiful harvests and peace in the region, offering a precious opportunity to witness traditional performing arts up close.

Venue

Yaho Tenmangu Shrine

5209 Yaho, Kunitachi, Tokyo 186-0011