Guida
The Ichinotori Festival is a historic celebration held at Uwatojinja Shrine in Ichikawamisato, Yamanashi Prefecture. With a legacy spanning over a millennium, this festival has long been cherished by the local community as a ritual to herald the arrival of spring in the Kofu Basin. Uwatojinja Shrine, believed to have been founded approximately 2,300 years ago, enshrines 'Taisei Monju,' the deity of learning and wisdom. It is highly revered as one of Japan's three great Monju shrines.
The main highlight of this festival is the dedication of 'Taikagura' at the Kagura Stage. The energetic and dynamic movements performed by the Kagura Preservation Society create a vibrant atmosphere. After midday, the local community performs the 'Urやす no Mai' (Dance of Peace). This includes the 'Fan Dance' and 'Bell Dance' performed by 6th-grade elementary school girls, a beautiful ritual that passes local traditions to the next generation. There is even a local legend that if the deity performing the Kagura strokes your head, you will grow up to be a healthy and energetic child, making it a popular event for families.
The Ichinotori Festival is held annually on the first Sunday of February.
The event takes place at Uwatojinja Shrine (Ueno, Ichikawamisato, Yamanashi).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Uwatojinja Shrine |
The Kagura performances are held sequentially at the Kagura Stage from the end of the ceremony until the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the traditional dances over an extended period. As the shrine is dedicated to the deity of learning, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience a culture that values wisdom and growth.
As the festival takes place in February, please dress in heavy winter clothing to stay warm. When watching the ceremonies and Kagura performances within the shrine grounds, please remain respectful of the sacred atmosphere and the surrounding worshippers.