About this event
The Mifune Asobi Kangen Festival is a Shinto ritual passed down at Kanegasaki Shrine in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, held in connection with the historical story of the Battle of Kanagasaki Castle described in the "Taiheiki", which depicts conflicts of the Nanboku-cho period. It originates from the historical episode on October 20 of the first year of Engen (1336), when boats were floated on Tsuruga Bay and musical instruments were played while admiring the autumn foliage and moon to comfort Imperial Princes Takanaga and Tsunenaga, sons of Emperor Go-Daigo. The festival is held every year on October 20 at Kanegasaki Shrine, Kanegasaki Green Space, and inside Tsuruga Port. A mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, a dedication of Shirabyoshi dance, and the "Mifune Asobi"—where boats decorated with flags and banners cruise inside the port—are conducted, offering Gagaku (court music) and dance to both Imperial Princes. At the end of the festival, white sake (shirozake) is served to visitors, making it an elegant festival where one can feel history and tradition.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Kanegasaki Shrine
1-4 Kanagasakicho, Tsuruga, Fukui 914-0072
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