Over 400 Years
All Day
See
Kanto
This festival is a tradition particular to this region that has continued for over 400 years. Eight floats circle the city accompanied by musicians.
The Bunmawashi, who spin around the floats, and the Tatakiwakare, the festival climax where each of the floats makes their final performance before heading home, are the two highlights. Don't miss these fancy floats and their musicians who practice for weeks on end to get ready.
The Gion Festival is famous for being a celebrative event for Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, and word of it spread throughout the nation as new Yasaka Shrine branches appeared in different regions and performed ceremonies to welcome their deities.
The custom of pulling floats while dancing, such as Anba-bayashi, reached Edosaki 400 years ago and had been passed down as a form of side entertainment during Mikoshi (portable shrines) rallies, but has taken hold as the main event of the festival in recent generations.
The Bunmawashi, who spin around the floats to the melodies of the musicians, are a must see. The float rests on an axis that runs through its middle. This endless center rotation is what gives the most flavor to the Edosaki floats. The accompanying performers known as Hayachoushi, follow the floats as they parade around the squares and intersections of different neighborhoods. Be sure to catch a glimpse of these beautifully decorated spinning floats.
The festival’s climax is when during the Tataki-wakare, where all eight of the floats assemble in one spot. Not only is this gathering alone worth seeing, but they also orchestrate individual performances before reaching the grand finale of the night and leave to head home. Let’s get a taste of this festival’s powerful ending.
Nothing in particular
JR Joban Line
20 Km from Sanuki Station
19 Km from Ushiku Station
19 Km from Hitachino-ushiku Station
19 Km from Arakawaoki Station
20 Km from Tsuchiura Station
JR Narita Line
13 Km from Shimo-usakozaki Station
11 Km from Namegawa Station
From the Ken-O Expressway
10 min from the Inashiki exit
JR Bus
50 min from Tsuchiura Station (Joban Line) to Edosaki Station
