About this event
Held in autumn at Hakusan Shrine in the Yogawa district of Nagiso Town, "Hakusan Shrine Festival (Autumn)" is a traditional festival where an elegant demon-banishing dance performed by a female lion (mejishi), said to have been introduced by a visitor from Kaga Hakusan around 190 years ago during the Kansei era, is dedicated. The lion head is a massive head of over 2 shaku (approx. 60 cm) made entirely of Japanese cypress (hinoki), and its dance fascinates onlookers. The highlight of the festival is the traditional regional "rice-cake throwing (mochinage)" conducted after the dance, bringing the festival to a close. In addition, local sake "Somazake" is served as sacred sake (omiki) during the festival, allowing visitors to taste the local culture and tradition. In 2026, it will be held later than usual due to the chief priest's schedule. Rituals begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the lion dance and then the mochinage. Inquiries about the festival can be directed to the Nagiso Town Tourism Association.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Yogawa Hakusan Shrine
741 Yomikaki, Nagiso, Kiso District, Nagano 399-5301
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