Yasuko Gion Matsuri

The "Gion Matsuri" began around 1705 (the second year of Hoei) when an epidemic spread, causing people to lose their lives and crops to be afflicted by pests. The festival was held to appease vengeful spirits and sickness through the faith in Tenno. Through the festival, prayers for abundant harvests and happiness are also made. During the Shukugyo Festival on the 23rd and the Kanjo Festival on the 25th, a portable shrine is paraded from the shrine. On the 24th, the ritual of passing between towns features the town-designated tangible cultural asset, the "Shinto Sake Offering Ceremony," held at the designated house of the hosting town. Throughout the period, carved floats and yatai parade through the town.

Date & Time

7/23(Wed) 7/24(Thu) 7/25(Fri)

Note

7/23 Shukugyo Festival, Yamakasa and Yatai procession; 7/24 Shinto sake offering ceremony; 7/25 Kanjo Festival and divine viewing (in front of Kashima Shrine).

Venue

Around Kashima Shrine

Address

1685-1 Mashiko, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture

parking

Due to expected congestion, the use of public transportation is recommended.

Access

About 20 minutes from Sakura Gakuen Chikusei IC on the Kitakanto Expressway, and about 25 minutes from Moka IC on the Kitakanto Expressway.

Access (Public)

Get off at 'Mashiko Station' on the Moka Railway and walk for about 10 minutes.

Contact

0285-70-1120 （Mashiko Town Tourism Association）

URL

http://www.mashiko-kankou.org/shop/?event=10747