Oyama Afuri Shrine Autumn Annual Grand Festival

About this event

The Oyama Afuri Shrine Autumn Annual Grand Festival is a traditional festival dedicated by parishioners of the six Oyama districts. The festival is traditionally held over three days starting on August 27. On the first day, the Senkosai (O-kudari / descent) takes place, in which the Afuri Okami deity progresses through the mountain town. On the main festival day on the 28th, Yamato-mai and Miko-mai dances, which were transmitted from Nara's Kasuga Taisha in the early Meiji period, are dedicated, and from evening onward, Noh and Kyogen performances are also dedicated on the Noh stage. Furthermore, at night, mikoshi (portable shrines) from each district parade through the area, adding lively energy to the festival. On the final day, the Kankosai (O-nobori / ascent) takes place, concluding the festival as the deity returns to the Shimosha (lower shrine) along with the procession. In particular, the heroic "O-kudari," in which parishioners carry the mikoshi down the Otokozaka (Men's Slope) from Afuri Shrine's Shimosha, is a major highlight, showing parishioners dressed in white robes or happi coats powerfully descending a slope with a maximum incline of about 30 degrees. The procession that follows, marching through Oyama town while raising lanterns and banners, is also a magnificent sight.

Venue

Oyama Afuri Shrine

355 Oyama, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1107