Guida
The Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Festival is a highly significant ritual held at Kumano Hongu Taisha in Tanabe City, Wakayama, to pray for a bountiful year. This festival consists of deeply spiritual ceremonies that symbolize the movement of divine spirits across the mountains. Key highlights include the 'Yunobori Shinji' (a designated intangible folk cultural property of Wakayama) and the 'Onasai' festival held at Oyunobara, both of which offer a profound sense of respect for nature and traditional Japanese beliefs.
The most striking part of the festival is the 'Togyo' procession, where the divine spirit moves via a portable shrine (mikoshi). During the 'Yasabaki Shinji,' children perform dances while beating drums to invite the spirits. At the Onasai festival, you will see the 'Chobana'—beautiful artificial flowers—which play a central role; the lively scene where spectators compete for these flowers symbolizes a wish for a good harvest. Additionally, the grand scale of the 'Taishimai' (rice-planting dance) at the vast Oyunobara site and the solemn 'Saito Goma' fire ritual performed by ascetic practitioners are breathtaking sights to behold.
The Grand Festival takes place over three days starting from April 13.
The festival is centered around the sacred sites of Kumano Hongu Taisha and its surroundings.
This is a profound religious ceremony rather than a mere tourist event. When observing the sacred rituals, please show respect to the priests and local community by maintaining a quiet and respectful presence. The moments involving the children (chigo) and the mikoshi procession are considered the most sacred. As many ceremonies occur in large outdoor spaces like Oyunobara, please prepare for changing weather and terrain.