Korei Taisai (Taga Matsuri)

Event Overview

The Korei Taisai is the most significant annual ritual held at Taga Taisha in Shiga Prefecture, a tradition passed down through generations. It is also widely known as the 'Horse Festival' (Uma Matsuri) due to the many horses that participate. This highly prestigious event has a long history, with its records dating back as far as the Kamakura period.

Taga Taisha is a venerable shrine mentioned in the 'Kojiki,' Japan's oldest book of myths. It is revered as a sanctuary for the deity of life, offering blessings for longevity, matchmaking, and protection from misfortune. This festival is not just a cultural display but a profound ritual that reflects the deep spiritual history of both the samurai class and the common people.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The absolute highlight of this festival is the 'Honwatari,' a magnificent and colorful procession. Led by the Bato-nin and Otsukai-den, the procession features over 40 horses and involves approximately 500 participants, including local devotees.

The procession moves toward the Chogu in Kurisu, followed by the 'Gohei-awase' ritual at the Hindai riverbank near the lower reaches of the Inugami River. Around 2:00 PM, the procession reunites in front of the main shrine for the special 'Tomi-no-ki Watashi' ceremony at Amiko no Daiko Baba, before departing for the main shrine at 3:30 PM. The sight of people in traditional historical attire accompanied by powerful horses is the pinnacle of Japanese traditional beauty.

Schedule

The main event takes place on April 22nd. Preparations and rituals begin much earlier, starting with the 'Bato-nin/Otsukai-den Ceremony' on January 3rd, followed by the 'Goshin-iri' (welcoming the deity) and 'Oomikoshi-shiki' (offerings) in April, as well as the 'Yoimiya-sai' eve festival.

Main Schedule (Tentative):

• 08:30: Ritual commencement
• 10:00: Procession departure
• 14:00: Procession reunion in front of the main shrine
• 15:30: Honwatari (Departure to the main shrine)
• 17:00: Sunset ritual (Priests perform three circuits around the main shrine)

Venue & Access

The event is held at Taga Taisha in Shiga Prefecture. The rituals take place within the vast shrine grounds and the nearby riverbanks, creating a solemn atmosphere integrated with the surrounding nature.

Participation Tips

The Korei Taisai is a sacred Shinto ritual rather than a mere public event. Visitors are asked to maintain a calm and respectful attitude to honor the proceedings. Since the 'Horse Festival' aspect is central, knowing the procession route and the location of the riverbank rituals in advance will help you enjoy the experience more deeply.

Clothing & Etiquette

As this is an outdoor ritual, please dress appropriately for the season. Since it occurs in late April, prepare clothing that is easy to layer to accommodate temperature changes and wind.

As this is a sacred ceremony, please observe the following:

• *Attire**: We recommend modest, calm clothing rather than overly flashy outfits.
• *Reservations**: No prior reservation is required to watch, but please check the official website for detailed ritual progress.
• *Payments**: For information regarding food or other expenses within the shrine grounds, please check the official website.