Otaue Matsuri at Isasumi Jinja Shrine Travel Guide

Event Overview

The Otaue Matsuri at Isasumi Jinja is a vital ritual that preserves Japan's ancient agricultural traditions. Alongside the 'Morning Planting' of Ise Jingu and the 'Evening Planting' of Atsuta Jingu, the Isasumi Jinja festival is celebrated as one of Japan's three great 'Daytime Rice Planting' (Hirutaue) festivals. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this event holds immense historical and cultural value. Held annually from July 11 to July 13, the festival features sacred ceremonies accompanied by local traditional performing arts.

Highlights and What to Expect

The main attractions are the traditional Saotome-odori (Maiden Dance) and the solemn rice planting ceremony. The Saotome-odori is a unique performing art passed down through the male heirs of the Sabukawa district, characterized by dancers in traditional Kasuri kimonos and red aprons performing elegant yet humorous dances. On July 12, you can also witness the Shishi-oi Shinji, where children wear masks of lions, oxen, horses, and deer, followed by the Mikoshi Togyo, a grand procession of over 200 people carrying portable shrines. Along the route, you may hear Saibara, ancient folk songs that evoke a sense of traveling back in time to ancient Japan.

Schedule

The festival takes place over three days, with the most significant events concentrated on July 12.

17:00: Otaue Matsuri Oharae & Yoimiya Festival
18:00: Taikodai Miko-nobori, Taikodai Ohayashi, and Menowakura-gukuri
06:00: Komita Jinja Annual Ritual
09:30: Shinko-sai (Shishi-oi Kodomo Procession Starts)
10:30: Saotome-odori Dedication
12:30: Hakoshi-sai & Mikoshi Togyo Departure
15:00: Kanda-sai, Rice Planting Ceremony, Saotome-odori, and Mikoshi Togyo
16:00: Kango-sai
05:00: Sana-naoshi Ritual
10:00: Sana-furi Ritual

Venue and Access

The festivities are spread across several locations centered around Isasumi Jinja.

*Isasumi Jinja Shrine**: The main venue for the festival.
*Mita Jinja**: Located near Aizu-Takada Station; a key site for the rice planting ceremony.
*Komita Jinja**: Located within the grounds of Aizu Nishi High School.
*Mochuriko-sho**: Located in front of the JA Aizu Yotsuba Takada branch.

Tips for Visitors

The Otaue Matsuri is a sacred ritual deeply rooted in the local community. The rice planting ceremony at Mita Jinja and the grand Mikoshi procession on the afternoon of July 12 are particularly spectacular. The elegant Saotome-odori and the masked children's Shishi-oi dance are rare sights only visible during this season. We recommend checking the procession routes and specific shrine schedules in advance to ensure the best viewing experience.

What to Bring and Etiquette

As this is an outdoor event involving long periods of walking and standing, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a hat, umbrella, and plenty of water to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Please maintain a respectful attitude toward the local community and the sacred nature of the rituals.