Autumn Festival
The Japanese character for autumn (秋) combines “禾” (nogihen), meaning grain, with “火” (fire), representing the act of drying crops or warding off pests. True to its name, autumn is the season of harvest. Since ancient times, Japan’s autumn festivals have been occasions to express gratitude to the gods for a bountiful harvest, following prayers offered in spring. Mikoshi (portable shrines), dashi (festival floats), and yatai (food stalls) parade through the streets, while kagura (Shinto music and dance), shishimai (lion dances), and other local performing arts are offered in dedication.
In the Tama area, many distinctive festivals still thrive today. Under the clear, high autumn sky, why not experience the vibrant local traditions and the lingering spirit of Edo?
Located just south of the Koshu Kaido on Daigaku-dori the city’s main street stretching straight south from JR Kunitachi Station Yabo Tenmangu Shrine hosts the “Teiryou Festival” (also known as *Okaga
Nestled in a quiet residential area of Mitaka City stands Nozaki Hachimansha Shrine. Every year on the night of October 8, crowds gather for a traditional event called “Dango Maki”, where mysterious d
Okutama Town is home to many traditional performing arts, and among them are the folk traditions once practiced in Ogouchi Village, a community that was submerged beneath the waters of the Ogouchi Dam
Every November, on the “Days of the Rooster” (Tori-no-hi) according to the traditional Chinese zodiac calendar, shrines across Japan hold lively festivals known as “Tori-no-Ichi.” These events take pl
Located about a 10-minute walk north of Kichijoji Station, facing Itsukaichi Kaido in the heart of Kichijoji, Musashino Hachimangu Shrine is home to the lively “Tori no Ichi” (Rake Fair), held every y
Komiya Shrine, located in Kusabana, Akiruno City, is said to have been built during the Kamakura period. Its temple bell, or *bonsh?*, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Every y
