Portable Shrines Process Along Ome Kaido Led by Giant Drums Kodaira City – Kodaira Shinmeigu Yakumo Festival
Event Period: A weekend in late April
Venue:Kodaira City
What is the Yakumo Festival?
Kodaira Shinmeigu Shrine was established in 1661 as a guardian shrine for settlers who moved to this area more than 350 years ago. The shrine was transferred from the ancient Azusami Tenjinsha in present-day Mizuho (formerly Tonogaya Village in Nishitama District), a historic shrine believed to date back to before the Heian period.
The Yakumo Festival is the annual festival of Yakumo Shrine, a subsidiary shrine located on the eastern side of the grounds of Kodaira Shinmeigu. It takes place every year on a weekend in late April.
The deity enshrined here is Takehayasusanoo-no-Kami. Known for a pure and righteous character and powerful divine strength, this deity is believed to protect people from illness, disasters, natural calamities, and various forms of suffering, guiding them toward safety and happiness. The deity is especially revered for driving away epidemics and protecting human life.
The Beautiful Lantern Procession
The festival lasts two days and consists of the Yoimiya (eve festival) on the first day and the Shinkosai (main procession) on the second day.
During the Yoimiya festival, a solemn ritual is held in the darkness in which the deity of Yakumo Shrine is transferred to a portable shrine. Nine beautifully decorated manto lantern towers, glowing with warm light, form a procession that gathers at the shrine.
The area becomes lively with numerous food stalls run by local residents. The spirited chant of “Hoisa hora hoisa hora” echoes through the night, while the colorful lanterns shining in the darkness create a festive atmosphere.
A Procession Led by the Sound of Giant Drums
On the second day, the Shinkosai takes place. Guided by the deep, resonant boom of a giant taiko drum used for purification at the head of the procession, the portable shrine travels around temporary resting places called okariya and proceeds through the parish neighborhoods while ceremonies are performed along the way.
Along Ome Kaido and throughout the shrine grounds, many dedicated lanterns donated by supporters are displayed, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
This vibrant and traditional event is well worth experiencing at least once.
| Event Period | A weekend in late April |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2573 Ogawa-cho, Kodaira City, Tokyo |
| Website | |
| Access | 18-minute walk from Higashi-Yamato-shi Station on the Seibu Haijima Line Note: Festival dates may change depending on the year. Please contact the shrine for the exact schedule. |
| Discover more about the Tama region | https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/ Photos courtesy of Takako Shigegaki |
