Guida
The Kabushima Festival is a traditional local festival held in conjunction with the annual grand festival of Kabushima Shrine, located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. The most striking feature of this festival is its setting: Kabushima, a designated national natural monument and a vital breeding ground for black-tailed shearwaters. Witnessing sacred Shinto rituals and traditional performing arts set against the backdrop of 30,000 to 40,000 nesting birds is a rare and breathtaking spectacle found only in this region.
Kabushima Shrine has been deeply cherished by the local community for generations, serving as a spiritual center closely tied to the life cycles of the black-tailed shearwaters. The festival plays a crucial role in preserving and passing down local culture to the next generation. Through the procession of portable shrines (mikoshi) and the performance of traditional arts, the festival serves as a ritual to express respect for nature and strengthen the bonds of the local community.
The highlights of the festival include the energetic procession of the mikoshi and various performances of local folk arts by community groups. A particularly delightful and unique event is the "Black-tailed Shearwater Call Contest," where participants compete to mimic the calls of the birds. This lighthearted and humorous event is a major crowd-pleaser. Visitors can also enjoy a diverse program of stage events and traditional dances, making the festival grounds a lively and bustling place to be.
The Kabushima Festival is typically held on the last weekend of April. This is a wonderful time to visit as the rapeseed flowers (nanohana) reach full bloom, creating a stunning yellow carpet across the landscape and signaling the arrival of spring. The main programs are concentrated during the daytime, with energetic stage performances and dances taking place from the opening ceremony at 10:00 AM until the conclusion at 3:00 PM. For those wishing to feel the heat of Japanese tradition amidst beautiful natural scenery, visiting during the day is highly recommended.
At the festival, you can do much more than just watch; you can immerse yourself in the local culture. For instance, you can enjoy traditional dances and music up close during the folk art stage performances. The participatory nature of the event, such as the bird-call contest, allows visitors to become part of the excitement rather than just spectators. We invite you to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience where nature and tradition seamlessly blend.
The area around Kabushima Shrine offers stunning coastal scenery. Before or after the festival, you can explore the surrounding natural beauty or stay in the nearby area. Hachinohe City provides excellent accessibility with many convenient hotels and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, making it an ideal base for your travels.
As the event is held outdoors, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Since the venue is near the coast, please prepare for potential changes in weather or sea breezes.