Guida
Located in Koya Hongo, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, the Horo Matsuri is held annually every September at the Kofuya Hachiman Shrine. This festival is a designated Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property and is a deeply rooted tradition in the local community. Locally known as the "Horo-kake Matsuri," it has been carefully preserved by the local people through generations. The most striking feature of the festival is the role of elementary school boys, known as "Horo-shoikko," who lead the Mikoshi (portable shrine). Wearing traditional ceremonial attire, this event serves as a significant rite of passage and a ritual of growth within the community, making it a precious cultural experience.
The Horo Matsuri is a traditional ceremony where young boys (traditionally the eldest sons) from both the Kami-gumi and Shimo-gumi groups of Koya Hongo lead the Mikoshi. This event carries much more weight than a simple festival; it functions much like a "coming-of-age ceremony" to celebrate the growth of children. Historically, it was a vital occasion for strengthening community bonds, where relatives and neighbors would gather at homes to celebrate the boys' progress. Today, the tradition is maintained through modern community efforts, such as using the local community center as a "Yado" (lodging/base), ensuring that the cultural legacy is passed down to the next generation.
The highlight of the festival is the procession led by the "Horo-shoikko." The participating boys wear traditional facial makeup and adorn themselves in "Jinbaori," a traditional ceremonial vest. They carry the "Horo"—a decorative back-basket featuring 36 bamboo sticks topped with vibrant paper flowers. Despite its beauty, the basket contains heavy stones, serving as a physical test of strength and endurance for the young participants. The sight of four boys following a Tengu (mythical creature) in a single file, followed by the Mikoshi, is truly breathtaking. The boys move with powerful, rhythmic steps known as "Roppo o fumu" under the guidance of older youths holding six-foot poles. The energetic shouts of "Yoisho!" from the crowd reach a fever pitch during the procession.
The Horo Matsuri is typically held on September 14th. The general schedule is as follows:
The most energetic part of the festival occurs around 3:00 PM when the Mikoshi begins to move. Please note that times may change due to weather or other circumstances, so it is wise to check the local situation on the day. It is a wonderful way to feel the heat and passion of a Japanese traditional festival in the early autumn.
This is primarily a viewing-based event. You can observe the children up close as they wear the colorful Jinbaori and the ornate Horo. Watching the children navigate the path with heavy loads while responding to the rhythmic shouts of the crowd offers a rare glimpse into a Japanese rite of passage. You can feel the unique atmosphere of a community coming together as one.
The Kofuya Hachiman Shrine is located in a peaceful residential and agricultural area of Kawagoe. Before or after the festival, you can enjoy a stroll through the quiet, traditional streets. Access via public transportation is recommended to enjoy the serene, nostalgic scenery of rural Japan.