Guida
Namura Matsuri is a deeply historic and ritualistic festival held at Namura Jinja Shrine, located in Ryuoh Town, Shiga Prefecture. The shrine is home to a National Treasure, making it a site of immense cultural significance. Held annually on the third Sunday of April, this festival is a cherished tradition passed down through generations. The festivities begin with the 'Nanoka-mairi' prayer, setting a sacred and solemn atmosphere for the rituals to follow.
The absolute highlight of this festival is the 'Togyo' (procession) that takes place after the initial Shinto rituals. You will witness a breathtaking sight: 10 sacred horses (Shinba) and 3 portable shrines (Mikoshi) moving in a solemn, rhythmic procession toward the Otabisho. The sight of the horses moving with both power and grace is truly awe-inspiring. Beyond the procession, you can enjoy the stunning backdrop of the shrine's architecture, including the West Main Hall (Nishi-honden), which is designated as a National Treasure, and the beautiful gate (Romon) which is an Important Cultural Property.
The festival is held every year on the third Sunday of April. The typical schedule is as follows:
The event takes place at Namura Jinja Shrine in Ryuoh Town, Shiga Prefecture.
Namura Matsuri is a traditional event that places great importance on ancient protocols. Because the Togyo involves the dynamic movement of horses and shrines from the shrine grounds to the Otabisho, we recommend checking the route and surrounding area in advance to find a good viewing spot. After the main procession, you may observe the deep community ties as local residents perform traditional handovers and rituals.
As this is a sacred Shinto ritual, please maintain a respectful attitude while observing the ceremonies and the procession. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as you will be navigating the shrine grounds. For specific details regarding any necessary preparations or local reception, please consult the official website.