The “Onigie,” held every year in October at Mihashira Shrine in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is an autumn festival representing Yanagawa, held with gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
The biggest attraction of this festival is the hayashi dashi (festival float with music) “Dorotsukudon,” which is also designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka Prefecture. Its unique rhythm and movements fascinate the viewers.
This time, we will introduce the history, highlights, and basic information of the Mihashira Shrine “Onigie.”
History and Highlights of the Mihashira Shrine “Onigie”
A Shrine Enshrining Three Deities Related to the Yanagawa Domain
Mihashira Shrine is a shrine that enshrines three deities: Muneshige Tachibana, the first lord of the Yanagawa domain, his wife Ginchiyo, and his father-in-law Dosetsu Togitsu.
Lively and Energetic “Onigie”
The “Onigie” is held on a grand scale every year with gratitude for a bountiful harvest. During the festival period, festival floats parade through the shrine grounds and the town, and stalls are set up, attracting many people.
Full of Highlights!
- Dorotsukudon: The hayashi dashi “Dorotsukudon” is a spectacle with dancers leaning out of the float and dancing with unique rhythms and movements.
- O-Shinkou Gyoretsu (Divine Procession): In the afternoon of the 8th, the “O-Shinkou Gyoretsu,” where mikoshi (portable shrines) and festival floats parade through the town, takes place.
- Limited Goshuin (Shrine Seal): During the period, limited Goshuin books and Goshuin are distributed.
Mihashira Shrine “Onigie” Basic Information
| Item | Details |
| Event Dates | Saturday, October 5th to Monday, October 7th, 2024 |
| Event Location | 323-1 Takahata, Mihashi-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture (Mihashira Shrine) |
| Main Highlights | Hayashi dashi “Dorotsukudon”, Dance Floats, O-Shinkou Gyoretsu, Stalls, Limited Goshuin |
| Access | Approximately 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line |
| Contact | 0944-72-3883 (Mihashira Shrine) |
Summary
The “Onigie” is a festival where the history and culture of Yanagawa come alive. Why not take this opportunity to visit Yanagawa and experience the excitement of the autumn festival?