Ichinomiya Sengen Jinja Omiyukisan Festival

Event Overview

The Ichinomiya Sengen Jinja Omiyukisan (commonly known as Omiyukisan) is a traditional festival held annually on April 15th at the Kai-no-kuni Ichinomiya Sengen Jinja in Fuefuki, Yamanashi. This ritual is performed to pray for the prevention of floods in the Kofu Basin. A unique highlight is the sight of male shrine bearers dressed in female clothing to show respect to the goddess Konohana Sakuya Hime, a tradition that creates a truly distinctive atmosphere.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The most captivating sight is the procession of shrine bearers dressed as women, moving through the streets to the rhythmic chant of "Sokodai, Sokodai!" This sacred ritual, honoring the female deity, offers a rare cultural experience found nowhere else. In addition to the solemn Shinto rituals, various food stalls line the area, allowing you to enjoy the lively festival atmosphere and local flavors.

Schedule

The festival takes place on April 15th.

• *Shinto Rituals**: From 7:00 AM
• *Food Stalls**: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Venue & Access

The event is held at Kai-no-kuni Ichinomiya Sengen Jinja in Fuefuki, Yamanashi.

• *Venue Name**: Kai-no-kuni Ichinomiya Sengen Jinja
• *Address**: 1684 Ichinomiya, Ichinomiya-cho, Fuefuki, Yamanashi 405-0056

Tips for Visitors

This event blends sacred rituals with a lively street food scene. Since the rituals begin early in the morning, we recommend arriving early to witness the most solemn moments. Food stalls are available until around 8:00 PM, so you can enjoy plenty of local snacks and the festive energy.

Essentials: Clothing, Payment & Etiquette

• *Clothing**: Please wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking and outdoor activities.
• *Payment**: We recommend bringing cash for purchasing food and drinks at the stalls.
• *Reservation**: No prior reservation is required to attend this event.
• *Etiquette**: As this is a sacred Shinto ritual, please remain respectful of the religious ceremonies and the surrounding environment.