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Ohata Hachimangu Daijesai Festival

Guide

Ohata Hachimangu Daijesai Festival

6 min read

Event Overview

The Ohata Hachimangu Daijesai is a traditional festival deeply rooted in the history of Ohata in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. Dating back to 1718, this historic event features a procession of Shinto deities, Kagura (sacred dance), and elaborately decorated floats known locally as "Yama." Due to its profound cultural significance, the festival is designated as an Aomori Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main draw of this festival is the powerful combination of the "Yama" (floats) and "Kagura/Noh" dance. The floats vary in design, from flat wooden structures to unique ship-shaped floats, each boasting intricate decorations. You will be mesmerized by the spectacle, such as the unique way the floats rotate their wheels to change direction or the ship-shaped floats used to pray for maritime safety.

As the floats move through the streets, the air is filled with the energetic sounds of traditional music (Hayashi). Watching the Kagura and Noh dances performed in sync with the procession offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual essence of Japan. Be sure to watch the grand floats navigate the streets from a close vantage point.

Schedule

The festival takes place over three days from September 14th to 16th.

  • Afternoon – Evening: Float movements begin in various neighborhoods.
  • 18:00: Floats arrive at Ohata Hachimangu.
  • 19:00: The lively Eve Festival begins with Noh and Kagura performances.
  • 22:00: The floats, Kagura, and Noh performers depart from the shrine.
  • 09:00: Floats, Kagura, and Noh performers arrive at Ohata Hachimangu.
  • 10:30: The procession departs from the shrine, passing through Minamicho toward Honcho.
  • 12:00: Lunch break in Honcho.
  • 13:00: The procession moves from Honcho through Higashimachi and Ueno toward the Minato area.
  • 18:00: Evening break at Minato.
  • 19:00: The procession departs from Minato toward Kasuga Shrine.
  • 20:00: Arrival at Kasuga Shrine.
  • 21:30: The floats, Kagura, and Noh performers depart from Kasuga Shrine.
  • 09:00: Floats, Kagura, and Noh performers arrive at Kasuga Shrine.
  • 10:30: The procession departs from Kasuga Shrine toward Ohata Fishing Port.
  • 11:30: Maritime safety prayers and lunch break at Ohata Fishing Port.
  • 13:00: The procession moves from the fishing port through Minato, Nakajima, Shinmachi, and Yasakashita.
  • 17:30: The Mikoshi (portable shrine), Kagura, and certain floats rest at Yasakashita; other floats rest at Shinmachi.
  • 18:30: A high-energy