Suitengu is the head shrine of all Suitengu shrines located throughout Japan, and its Spring Grand Festival is held annually. The festival takes place over the course of three days, from the 3rd to the 5th of May.
On the 3rd, the “Kencha-sai” (Tea Offering Festival) is held, where matcha tea, prepared using the Omotesenke Fuhaku school tea ceremony style, is offered to the gods by monks from the Zen temple Bairinji and the priests of Suitengu, and tea is served at an open-air tea ceremony within the grounds.
On the 4th, during the “Goshinkosai” (Divine Procession Festival), the Honza, selected from the caretakers of the sacred area, offers divine provisions prepared to mourn the spirits of Emperor Antoku and the Taira clan. Afterwards, the divine provisions are released into the Chikugo River, and a ceremony to purify the river is performed.
Finally, on the 5th, the “Urayasu no Mai” (Urayasu Dance) is dedicated, which is the most important ceremony, where prayers for the prosperity of the nation and the peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity of the world are offered. The Suitengu Spring Grand Festival is a festival where you can feel the history and traditions of Japan, so please come and visit.
Access Information
Date: May 3rd to 7th
Location: Suitengu Head Shrine, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Organizer: Suitengu Head Shrine
Contact: Suitengu Head Shrine 0942-32-3207
Related Website: http://www.suitengu.net/gyoji.php
Access: 8-minute walk from the Suitengu-guchi exit of Kurume Station on the Kagoshima Main Line.