Ogawa Festival is one of the biggest events in Higashiyoshino Village. Every summer, people start to anticipate and prepare for the festival that is held in October.
The festival starts when eight drum floats called taikodai gather at Niu-Kawakami Shrine. With four boys on each drum float, watching groups of men chanting and carrying the floats is the most exciting part of the festival.
Another mystic part of the festival is that the boys on the floats are not supposed to put their feet on the ground throughout the festival, as they are considered as messengers of God.
Come to see one of the most exciting autumn festivals at one of the most historic shrines.
Date
Second Sunday in October
Venue
Niu-Kawakami Shine (Middle shrine)
Time table
Safety Prayer: 9 a.m.
Float carrying: 1 p.m.
Mochi throwing: 3 p.m.
Getting to the venue by public transportation
On the day of the festival, a special direct shuttle bus will operate between Kintetsu Haibara Station and the Higashiyoshino Campground Parking Lot (about a 5-minute walk to Niukawakami Shrine).
- To the festival: Departs Kintetsu Haibara Station at 10:00 AM
- Return: Departs Higashiyoshino Campground Parking Lot at 4:00 PM
Getting to the venue by car
- Exit Nishi-Meihan Expressway at Tenri (天理), take R169 toward Sakurai (桜井), turn left onto R165 toward Ouda (大宇陀), and then take R166 toward Higashiyoshino.
- Exit Meihan National Highway at Hari (針), take R369 toward Haibara (榛原), then onto R370 toward Ouda (大宇陀). Then take R166 toward Higashiyoshino.
- From Higashiyoshino, take Prefectural road 16 or 220 to get to the shrine.
Parking
Park your car at Higashiyoshino Campground parking lot or Higashiyoshino Elementary School
Link
Information in Japanese on Higashiyosino Village official website
Learn more about Niu-Kawakami Shrine on this site
