Guida
The Hagurozan Bonten Festival is a traditional annual ritual held at Hagurozan Shrine in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, boasting a history of approximately 300 years. The festival is held to pray for bountiful harvests and the safety of families. The most striking feature is the 'Bonten'—massive poles about 15 meters long made of Moso and Madake bamboo. Watching the local youth in traditional happi coats carry these colorful, decorated poles up the shrine's approach is a truly breathtaking sight.
The main highlight is the sight of the giant Bonten poles ascending toward the shrine amidst powerful rhythmic shouts. The fusion of solemn ritual and the intense energy of the local community creates a dynamic spectacle that overwhelms the senses. During the festival, the streets come alive with about 100 food stalls and shops. A unique highlight is finding stalls selling local specialties like 'Yuzu' (citron). In recent years, the event has also embraced modern touches, such as performances blending tradition with contemporary elements.
The main festival is held annually on the third Saturday of November.
The expected time is from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The event takes place at and around Hagurozan Shrine in Imasato-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi.
The procession of the Bonten poles and the offerings to the shrine are high-energy events. Because the stall area becomes very crowded, we recommend moving early to secure your favorite local snacks or Yuzu products. As the paths around the shrine involve some slopes, wearing comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended.