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Tanba Sasayama Castle Town Kasuga Jinja Autumn Festival

Guide

Tanba Sasayama Castle Town Kasuga Jinja Autumn Festival

6 min read

Event Overview

The Kasuga Jinja Autumn Festival is a signature event of Tanba Sasayama, boasting over 350 years of history. The festival is characterized by a blend of elegant beauty influenced by Kyoto culture and powerful, vigorous energy. In 2017, it was designated as an intangible folk cultural property. Watch nine highly decorated Hoko floats and four Mikoshi portable shrines parade through the historic streets, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of flutes and drums.

Highlights

The main attraction is the parade of the magnificent Hoko floats and Mikoshi. Thanks to recent efforts to move utility lines underground, the traditional appearance of the floats has been fully restored. The sight of the beautiful Hoko floats, such as 'Ho-oh-yama' and 'Mikasa-yama,' is a breathtaking spectacle. The energy of the Mikoshi, moving to the beat of heavy drums, is truly powerful and captivating.

Schedule

The festival takes place over two days.

Day 1: Yoimiya (Eve)

  • *16:20~**: Hoko Float Parade (Kamimachi)
  • *17:00~**: Hoko Float Parade (Shimomachi)
  • *17:30~**: Shrine Entry (Miyairi)
  • *18:30~20:20**: Taiko Mikoshi (Kamimachi)
  • *19:00~20:50**: Taiko Mikoshi (Shimomachi)

Day 2: Hongu (Main Day)

  • *09:50~**: Hoko Float Parade from Kagamiyama
  • *11:50~**: Hoko Float Shrine Entry
  • *13:15~**: Mikoshi Procession
  • *18:30~20:20**: Taiko Mikoshi (Kamimachi)
  • *19:00~20:50**: Taiko Mikoshi (Shimomachi)

Venue & Access

The event is held around Kasuga Jinja and the streets of the Tanba Sasayama Castle Town.

  • *By Train**: From JR Sasayamaguchi Station (West Exit), take the Wing Shinki bus and get off at "Sasayama Macho."
  • *By Car**: Approximately 10 minutes from the Tanan Sasayamaguchi IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway.

Important Notes

Road closures will be in effect during the festival. On October 17 and 18, between 10:00 and 21:30, vehicle access is restricted from the Uoya-cho Josai Line intersection to the vicinity of Sonobo-ji Temple. We recommend using public transport or checking parking in advance.

Essentials

  • *Footwear**: As you will be walking through crowds to see the parade, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
  • *Parking**: Nearby municipal parking is available (max 800 yen), but it gets very crowded. Plan ahead or use public transport.
  • *Details**: Please check the official website for the latest schedule updates.