Mitsushima Shrine Autumn Festival

About this event

Passed down in the Mitsushima area of Hiraoka, Tenryu Village, Nagano Prefecture, the "Mitsushima Shrine Autumn Festival" is a village-designated folk cultural property with approximately 400 years of history, celebrated as a grand festival modeled after a feudal lord's procession (Daimyo Gyoretsu). The sacred deity object (goshintai), usually enshrined at the mountaintop shrine, descends to the village once a year in a grand procession, parading to pray for bountiful harvests, household safety, good health, and longevity. The festival is usually held over two days on the second Saturday and Sunday of October. On the evening of the first day (night festival), the Shinkosai ritual is conducted at Mitsushima Shrine's "Hara-no-Mori," and the procession departs toward the Mae-miya at "Minami-no-Mori." On the second day, it departs "Minami-no-Mori" and arrives at "Hara-no-Mori." The procession is spectacular, evoking historical Daimyo processions, featuring children carrying dedication banners at the front, brave kake-daiko drumming by the young shrine parishioner group (Ujiko Seinen), the "Yado-ire" ritual led by middle-aged parishioners with a pair of male and female lion dancers, the sacred deity object guarded by the chief priest and parishioner representatives, and Gion Bayashi music performed by elder parishioners. Upon arriving at "Hara-no-Mori" at dusk, solemn Shinto rituals and calming ceremonies are performed, concluding with the "Hana-tori" ceremony as the final ritual. Around the time of "Hana-tori," dedicated fireworks ignited with sacred fire from the shrine are launched, and a spirited "Kioi" competition featuring participants from nursery school children to elementary/junior high school students and community groups is held. Elaborate touches feature participation across generations, particularly the children's dedication banners, valiant kake-daiko drums, lion dances for household safety, spear-throwing in "Yado-ire," and the portable shrine (omikoshi) carrying the sacred object.

Venue

Tenryu Village Office

878 Hiraoka, Tenryu, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-1201