Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Festival

Event Overview

The Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Festival is a vital annual ritual held at Kumano Hongu Taisha in Tanabe City, Wakayama. This highly spiritual event depicts the movement of divine spirits across the mountains. Key highlights include the 'Yunobori Shinto' ritual (a designated intangible folk cultural property) and the 'Ondasai' festival at Oyunohara, both of which showcase deep-rooted respect for nature and Japanese spiritual traditions.

Highlights & What to Expect

The most striking moment is the 'Togyo' procession, where the divine spirit moves via a portable shrine (mikoshi). During the 'Yasabaki Shinto' ritual, children (chigo) perform sacred dances to drum and invite the spirits. At the Ondasai festival, you will see the 'Chobana'—vibrant artificial flowers—which creates a lively atmosphere as participants gather them to symbolize a good harvest. The spectacle of fire and dance, including the 'Taishimai' dance and the 'Saito Goma' fire ritual performed by ascetics, offers a breathtaking sight in the vast open space of Oyunohara.

Schedule

The festival takes place over three days starting April 13.

• *April 13**: The Yunobori Shinto ritual begins. At 9:00 AM, priests and children gather to head toward Yunomine Onsen. In the afternoon, ceremonies continue at Yunomine Oji and the Yasabaki Shinto ritual.
• *April 14**: The Funatama Taishai is held to pray for safe sea voyages and bountiful catches.
• *April 15**: The grand highlight, the Ondasai festival. The main ceremony begins at 8:00 AM at the main shrine, followed by the procession of the mikoshi to Oyunohara. Here, traditional dances like Yamato-mai and Miko-mai are performed before the procession returns to the shrine in the evening.

Venue & Access

The festival unfolds across the sacred sites surrounding Kumano Hongu Taisha.

• *Main Venues**: Kumano Hongu Taisha (Main Shrine), Oyunohara (Former Shrine Site), Yunomine Onsen area, and Manaisha.
• *Access**: The ritual route includes the 'Dainichi-goe' mountain pass, part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. The path from Yunomine Onsen to Oyunohara offers stunning historical landscapes, but travelers should prepare for a hike.

Participation Tips

This is a solemn religious-based ritual rather than a casual event. Please maintain a respectful silence and observe the movements of the priests and local community, especially during the sacred moments involving the children and the mikoshi procession. As many ceremonies occur in the large, open-air space of Oyunohara, be prepared for outdoor conditions.

Practical Information

• *Clothing**: As the route involves the Dainichi-goe mountain pass, comfortable walking shoes and activewear are highly recommended. Prepare for changing weather during outdoor ceremonies.
• *Payment**: Please check local facilities for specific payment methods regarding related services.
• *Reservations**: No reservation is required to observe the festival, but it is highly recommended to book local accommodation well in advance.
• *Etiquette**: Please act with decorum and respect to avoid disrupting the sacred religious ceremonies.