Guida
The Kumano Hayatama Taisha Reitaisai is a prestigious annual festival held from April 13th to 15th at Kumano Hongu Taisha in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. This festival is a profound expression of gratitude for nature's blessings and a prayer for a bountiful harvest. During this period, visitors can witness several sacred rituals, including the Yutobi Shinji, Funatama Taisai, and Mitaisai, all of which are deeply rooted in the local spiritual traditions and community faith.
This festival is deeply connected to the reverence of the Kumano deities. The Yutobi Shinji, held on April 13th, is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Wakayama Prefecture, highlighting its immense historical value. A central highlight is the Mitaisai, where the sacred Mikoshi (portable shrine) travels from the main shrine to Manaisha and finally to Oyunokahara. Manaisha is a site mentioned in ancient texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, serving as a place where divine spirits descend. The main deity of Hongu, Ketsugomiko Okami, is an agricultural god, making this festival a vital cultural event to pray for abundant crops.
There are several key rituals to watch during the festival. The Yutobi Shinji on April 13th, the Funatama Taisai on the 14th, and the Mitaisai on the 15th are the primary events. On the 15th, the Mikoshi procession moves from the main shrine to Oyunokahara. The Mikoshi is beautifully decorated with 'Choka' (chrysanthemum flowers), and the ceremony involves Shinto priests, local parishioners, and children performing various sacred rites. At the Oyunokahara ritual site, visitors may witness the performance of sacred Shinto songs and traditional dances.
The festival takes place in mid-April, a beautiful time to experience traditional rituals in harmony with the gentle spring season. On the 15th, the main ceremony begins at 8:00 AM at the main shrine, followed by the procession toward Oyunokahara. Visiting during the daytime allows you to observe the movement of the Mikoshi and the various rituals in full view. It is an ideal time to learn about local faith while enjoying the arrival of spring.
During this period, you can observe the sacred procession (Togyo) up close. Watching the Mikoshi stop at Manaisha and proceed to the Oyunokara Otabisho offers a deep insight into Japanese spiritual culture. The traditional performances, including sacred songs and dances at Oyunokara, are rare and precious experiences that can only be enjoyed during this specific time of year.
The area around Kumano Hongu Taisha, where the festival unfolds, features the historic 'Dainichi-goe' mountain pass. This path connects Yunomine and Oyunokahara and was once a special route used only during sacred rituals. The nearby Yunomine Onsen area is also a significant destination for pilgrims and travelers seeking spiritual and physical rejuvenation.
As the festival involves much walking and observing rituals outdoors, we recommend wearing comfortable, practical clothing. Please maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor, as these are sacred religious ceremonies. Since many local services and transport-related expenses may require cash, it is wise to prepare Japanese Yen in advance. Please note that detailed English-language guidance or real-time explanations may be limited, so we recommend checking the schedule beforehand.