Festivals are an essential part of Japanese culture, deeply rooted in tradition. Historically, they have served as a way to connect people with one another and with the gods. Today, there are around 300,000 festivals across Japan, generating an impressive annual economic impact of approximately 530 billion yen, making them a vital cultural resource for tourism. Yet, many of these festivals remain unknown to the world. This time, we’ve carefully selected five uniquely remarkable festivals, exploring their histories and highlights.
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【Towa Town, Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture】Yokawa Mizukaburi (Water Pouring Festival)
Overview and History of Yonekawa Mizukaburi
Yonekawa Mizukaburi is a fire-prevention ritual held annually on the first horse day (Hatsuuma) in February. It has been passed down for over 800 years in the Gokamachi area of Yonekawa, Towa Town, Tome City. In 2018, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under "Raihoshin: Ritual Visits of Deities in Masks and Costumes." This traditional event is cherished as a way to pray for the prevention of fires in the community.
Highlights of Yonekawa Mizukaburi
Mizukaburi Costumes
Men embodying fire gods wrap themselves in straw on their bare bodies and smear soot from kitchen stoves onto their faces.
Procession
After offering prayers for fire prevention at Daiji Temple, the starting point of the event, the Mizukaburi group parades through the town. At each house, water is poured onto the roof using water prepared by the residents. Locals pluck straw from the "shimenawa" (sacred rope) worn by the men, using it as a talisman for fire prevention in their homes.
Hyottoko and Okame
A "Hyottoko," a figure dressed in monk robes and ringing a bell, and an "Okame," carrying buckets on a balance pole, visit houses to collect celebratory offerings. These contributions are used for the sake banquet held after the event.
Related Venue: Horinzan Daiji Temple
Established as the 14th temple of the Oshu 33 Kannon pilgrimage, Horinzan Daiji Temple is the birthplace of Yokawa Mizukaburi. On the event day, visitors can enjoy bowls of tonjiru (pork miso soup) prepared by locals (with donations welcomed), as well as purchase souvenirs and original goods. The temple’s grounds feature a special stage for drum performances and other events, and limited-edition Goshuin (temple stamps) are available exclusively on the event day.
- Location: Machishita 56, Towa Town, Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Event Details
Date: Annually on the first horse day of February (Hatsuuma) (For 2024, February 12)
- Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Nitta Station or Ishikoshi Station
- Viewing Seats: None
- Related Website (Japanese):: https://miyagi-yonekawa.com/mizukaburi/
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【Noto Town, Hōsu District, Ishikawa Prefecture】Abare Festival
Overview and History of Abare Festival
The Abare Festival, known as a symbol of summer in Noto, is a dynamic festival with over 350 years of history. It began during the Edo period when a plague struck the region. To quell the epidemic, the deity Gozu Tennō was enshrined from Kyoto's Gion Shrine, marking the festival's origin. Due to its historical and cultural significance, the festival has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Ishikawa Prefecture.
Highlights of Abare Festival
Kiriko Lanterns
Over 40 towering Kiriko lanterns, each about 7 meters tall, are paraded amidst sparks from large torches. Participants chant "Iyasaka Yosse, Sakayosse" to the rhythm of drums.
Portable Shrines (Mikoshi)
Gozu Tennō, the deity associated with preventing epidemics, is believed to favor chaos. As part of the festival, the mikoshi is carried through the town before being thrown into the sea or into bonfires, where it is destroyed beyond recognition.
Related Venue: Noto Town Large Roof Plaza (Minato no Niwa)
Built on the site of the former Noto Town Hall, this plaza symbolizes the town's recovery and serves as the festival's main venue. On the first night of the event, Kiriko lanterns perform an energetic dance around massive torches, offering a close-up view of the spectacle. The plaza is not only a community gathering spot but also a place to experience Noto’s traditional culture.
It is used not only as a place of relaxation for local residents, but also as a valuable place where you can experience the traditional culture of Noto.
- Uchiura New 197-1, Noto Town, Hōsu District, Ishikawa Prefecture
Event Details
- Date: Annually on the first Friday and Saturday of July (In 2024, July 5–6)
- Access:
①Take the Suzu-Uchiura Limited Express bus (bound for Suzunari-kan-mae) from Kanazawa Station West Exit and get off at Uchiura Station.
②From Nanao Station (or Wakura Onsen Station), transfer to the Noto Railway Nanao Line and alight at Anamizu Station. From there, take a Hokutetsu Okunoto bus for about 1 hour.
③By car, it's about 25 minutes from the Noto Satoyama Kaidō Noto Airport IC. - Viewing Seats: Paid seating will be available starting in 2025.
- Official Website (Japanese): https://abarematsuri.jp/
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【Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture】Yokkabui
Overview and History of Yokkabui
The name "Yokkabui" comes from "Yorukaburi" (night hood), and the festival is a traditional event for praying for protection from water-related accidents, community safety, and household prosperity. A youth wearing a mask made from a palm tree, representing the mythical "Ōgarappa" (giant kappa), appears in the festival. Using bamboo leaves, they purify spectators and admonish mischievous children.
This unique festival, embodying local culture, is designated as a National Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Highlights of Yokkabui
Sack Stuffing
The Ōgarappa chases children while emitting strange cries and stuffs them into burlap sacks. Originally intended as a prayer for water safety, the act also carries a message of discipline for misbehaving kids.
Takahashi Jūhachido Dance
In the Tamate Shrine grounds, young boys aged 4 to 6, playing the role of "Ko-Garappa" (child kappa), perform sumo wrestling before the shrine of the water deity to pray for safety. The Yokkabui also performs the Takahashi Jūhachido Dance as an offering.
Related Venue: Rekishi Kōryūkan Kinpō
Opened in 2005 in Kinpō Town, this archaeological museum focuses on the theme of "People of the Currents," showcasing the rich history and culture of Minamisatsuma through various exhibits, videos, and models. Materials related to Yokkabui are also on display.m opened in 2005 in Kinho Town. Under the theme of "People of the Sea Currents," the history and culture of Minami-Satsuma are introduced in an easy-to-understand manner with a wealth of exhibits, videos, and models, and materials related to Yokkabui are also on display.
Location: 1535 Ikenobe, Kinpō Town, Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), December 29–January 3
Event Details:
Date: Annually on August 22
- Access: About 40 minutes by car from Goino Station on the JR Kyushu Ibusuki Makurazaki Line
- Viewing Seats: None
- Related Website (Japanese): https://kanko-minamisatsuma.jp/event/7552/
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【Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture】Hetomato
Overview and History of Hetomato
Hetomato is a traditional folk event held during the Little New Year, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The origins and etymology of Hetomato are unclear. Theories suggest it may have started as a ritual for honoring cows, a ceremony for whales during the whaling era, or a tradition brought from Okinawa. However, none of these have been definitively proven.
Highlights of Hetomato
Dedication Sumo Wrestling
Children and young adults perform sumo wrestling matches at the dohyo (sumo ring) within Shirahama Shrine’s grounds.
Hanetsuki (Shuttlecock Game)
Two women who married in the past year wear formal kimonos and stand on sake barrels to play a traditional game of hanetsuki.
Tamakeri (Ball Kicking)
Participants are divided into red and white teams and compete to seize a straw ball, which is said to resemble a whale's eye.
Tug of War
A tug of war takes place between the youth group and the local fire brigade to predict the year’s harvest and fishing success.
Parading a Giant Straw Sandal
Young participants carry a giant straw sandal approximately 3 meters long and weighing about 300 kilograms to Yamashiro Shrine. On the way, they lift and celebrate unmarried women by placing them on the sandal.
Related Facility: Goto Tourist and History Museum
Built to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Fukue City's establishment, the museum is located at the site of the secondary enclosure of Fukue Castle and features a replica castle tower. Spread across three floors, the exhibits chronologically showcase Goto's history and culture. A life-sized replica of the giant straw sandal (3 meters long, 250 kilograms) used in Hetomato is also on display.
- Address: 1-4 Ikeda-machi, Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Hours: June to September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:30 PM), October to May: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: December 29 – January 3 (May also close temporarily for maintenance)
Event Details
Date: Annually on the third Sunday of January (January 21, 2024)
- Access: About 15 minutes by car from Fukue Port
- Viewing Tickets: Not required
- Related Website (Japanese): https://goto.nagasaki-tabinet.com/event/51078
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【Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture】Paantu
Overview and History of Paantu
Paantu is a traditional festival celebrated in parts of Miyakojima and is designated as both a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is said to have originated around 300 years ago when a mask (visiting deity) drifted ashore. The festival’s primary purpose is exorcising evil spirits and praying for health and safety.
Highlights of Paantu
①Paantu in Shimajiri, Hirara District
Three Paantu figures—parent, middle, and child—walk through the village, purifying new houses and praying for children’s health. They cover themselves in mud from the bottom of a spring called "Nmariga" (Birth Spring) and wrap themselves with vines from the Chinese rubber plant.
②Paantu (Satiparai) in Nobaru, Ueno District
In Nobaru, the event is known as "Satiparai." Unlike in Shimajiri, it does not involve mud. Only adult women and boys participate, with boys wearing Paantu masks leading a procession of women. The women wear grass crowns made from black wattle and old man's beard flowers as they parade through the village, offering blessings and protection.
Related Facility: Miyakojima City Museum
The museum explores "Nature and Culture of Miyakojima," offering insights into the island's nature, history, folklore, and culture. It features a life-sized model of Paantu and allows visitors to take photos using replica masks.
Address: 1166-287 Higashinakasonezoe, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), national holidays, and December 29 – January 3
Event Details
- Shimajiri’s Paantu: Auspicious date in the 9th month of the lunar calendar (October 8–9, 2024), Nobaru’s Paantu: The last ox day of the 12th lunar month
* The exact festival dates are often announced shortly before the event. - Access:
Shimajiri: About 14 km (30 minutes) from Miyako Airport
Nobaru: About 6 km (14 minutes) from Miyako Airport - Viewing Tickets: Not required
- Related Website (Japanese): https://miyakojima.jp/events/shimajiri-panto/
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