Mikuni Shrine Reitaisai Festival

Event Overview

The Mikuni Shrine Reitaisai is a traditional festival held annually at Mikuni Shrine in Shakotan, Hokkaido. Dating back to the Edo period, this ritual is held to pray for bountiful fishing and successful harvests. It is a rare chance to feel the history of Shakotan through sea processions and lively parades of portable shrines (mikoshi) and floats through the streets.

Highlights

The main highlight is the 'Tengu Fire Walkover' held on the nights of July 5th and 6th at the shrine grounds. After the Tengu and shrines parade through the town, the ritual of passing through fire to purify the soul takes place. Watching the brave youths carry the mikoshi amidst flying sparks and rhythmic shouts of "Wasse, Wasse!" is a truly breathtaking sight. You can feel the raw energy of a Japanese festival alongside the colorful parade of traditional floats.

Schedule

The festival is held over three days in early July.

• *July 4th**: The festival begins with various traditional ceremonies.
• *July 5th & 6th**: The main 'Tengu Fire Walkover' takes place at night, alongside the mikoshi and float parades.

Venue and Access

The event is held at Mikuni Shrine and the surrounding areas in Shakotan, Hokkaido.

• *Venue**: Mikuni Shrine (and surrounding town/port areas)
• *Access**: Accessible by walking or car within the Shakotan area. We recommend checking local traffic information in advance.

Participation Tips

Since the Tengu Fire Walkover is an outdoor night event, please be mindful of safety in the dark. Enjoy the solemn yet high-energy atmosphere of the ritual while staying alert to your surroundings. The powerful shouts of the participants make for an unforgettable experience.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As this is a night-time outdoor event, we recommend bringing a jacket for the evening chill and wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please be respectful of the ritual and avoid obstructing the procession. Check official sources for the latest updates.