Ichinotori Festival at Uwadotori Jinja Shrine

Event Overview

The Ichinotori Festival is a traditional celebration held at Uwadotori Jinja Shrine in Ichikawamisato, Yamanashi Prefecture, boasting a history of over 1,000 years. This festival has long been cherished by the local community as a way to herald the arrival of spring in the Kofu Basin. Uwadotori Jinja, which is said to have been founded approximately 2,300 years ago, enshrines several deities including Amaterasu Omikami, Kuramaikonomikoto, Nikunikonoson, and Taisei Monju. Taisei Monju is particularly revered as one of the three great Monju deities in Japan, representing wisdom and learning.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight of this festival is the dedication of "Taika Kagura" at the Kagura-den stage. The dynamic and powerful dances performed by the Kagura preservation society create an exhilarating atmosphere. Additionally, shortly after noon, the local community performs the "Urやす no Mai" (Dance of Peace). This includes the "Fan Dance" and "Bell Dance" performed by local 6th-grade elementary school girls, a beautiful ritual that passes traditions down to the next generation. There is even a local legend that if a deity performing Kagura strokes your head, you will grow into a healthy and energetic child, making it a popular event for families.

Schedule

The Ichinotori Festival is held annually on the first Sunday of February.

• *10:00—**: Ichinotori Festival Ceremony
• *After Ceremony until Evening**: Taika Kagura performances (performed sequentially at the Kagura-den)
• *After 12:00—**: Urやす no Mai (Fan and Bell Dances)

Venue & Access

The event takes place at Uwadotori Jinja Shrine (Ueno, Ichikawamisato, Yamanashi).

• *Train**: Approximately a 2-minute walk from JR Ashikawa Station (Minobu Line).
• *Car**: Approximately 35 minutes by car from JR Kofu Station.
• *Parking**: Please use the Ichikawamisato Town Hall (Mitsubasho Office) parking or the JA Yamanashi Mirai Ichikawamisato Economic Center parking.

Participation Tips

Kagura performances are held sequentially at the Kagura-den from the end of the ceremony until the evening, allowing you to enjoy the traditional dances over an extended period. As the shrine is also associated with Taisei Monju, the deity of wisdom, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience a culture that prays for intellectual growth and prosperity.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As the festival takes place in February, please dress warmly and prepare for cold weather. When observing the ceremonies and Kagura performances within the shrine grounds, please be respectful of the sacred atmosphere and the surrounding worshippers. For specific reservation requirements or the most up-to-date schedule, please check the official website.