The “Hatsuuma Festival,” held annually at Kagoshima Jingu Shrine in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, on the Sunday following the 18th day of the old lunar calendar’s first month. The greatest highlight of this festival is the “Suzu-kake Uma Odori (Bells-Adorned Horse Dance),” where numerous dance groups, led by Suzu-kake Uma, parade and dance in unison with the horses. This unique ritual, unlike any other in Japan, is filled with bravery and splendor.
History and Origin of Suzu-kake Uma Odori
The origin of the Suzu-kake Uma Odori is said to date back to the time of Kagoshima Jingu’s founding. According to ancient documents, records show that sacred horses were already being kept at the shrine in 1181. There is also a theory that the current Suzu-kake Uma Odori began when Lord Takanaga Shimazu had a divine dream about a sacred horse in 1543.
Highlights
- Suzu-kake Uma (Bells-Adorned Horse): The sacred horses, Suzu-kake Uma, are gorgeously decorated with bells, mirrors, and artificial flowers. Their appearance is truly divine, captivating all who see them.
- Dance Groups: The dance groups gathered from various districts wear unique costumes and dance to the lively music of flutes, drums, and shamisen.
- Dance in Unison with Horses: The sight of the dance groups parading through the shrine grounds, led by the Suzu-kake Uma, is truly magnificent. The dance performed in unison with the horses is full of tradition and energy.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Date | The Sunday following the 18th day of the old lunar calendar’s first month each year |
| Location | Kagoshima Jingu Shrine (2496-1 Mikuji, Hayato-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture) |
| Access | Approximately 25 minutes by car from Mizobe Kagoshima Airport IC on the Kyushu Expressway<br>Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Nippo Main Line Hayato Station |
| Parking | Available (approximately 2,300 spaces) |
| Fee | Free |
| Contact | Hatsuumasai Executive Committee (within Kirishima City Tourism PR Division) 0995-45-5111 |
Other Information
- The area will be very crowded on the day of the festival, so it is recommended to use public transportation.
- Photography is allowed, but please be considerate of other visitors.
Nearby Tourist Spots
- Kirishima Jingu Shrine: A shrine nestled at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range, surrounded by magnificent nature.
- Kirishima Onsen (Hot Springs): A leading hot spring resort in Kyushu, where you can enjoy hot springs with various qualities.
- Sakurajima: An active volcano floating in Kagoshima Bay. You can enjoy magnificent scenery.
The Kagoshima Jingu Hatsuuma Festival is a valuable festival where you can feel history and tradition. Please come and see the brave and gorgeous ritual woven by Suzu-kake Uma and the dance groups.