All Day
See
Chugoku Shikoku
Ama-cho, where the lifestyle of days gone still remains strong, boasts rich nature and is listed as "one of the most beautiful villages of Japan". The Kin-nyamonya Matsuri is the summer hallmark of Ama-cho that comes from a folk song of the same name that has been handed down for generations. Starting in 1996, it was begun as a way to utilize and boost regional activity, to keep and protect traditional culture, love for ones hometown, and to increase the interaction of people both in and across the boarders through the experience of events. On the main stage, there is the traditional "throwing of mochi", a raffle featuring luxurious prizes, interactive events including local comedians and many more. In the parking lot spaces, locals set up shops selling food and goodies. Besides all of this, nearly 1000 people of the 2,400 island population gather to enjoy the main event of Kin-nyamonya, the after party and the fireworks competition that follows.
Every year, there is a flood of dancers that visit from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Though the parade featuring many dancers in colorful costumes is fun to watch, it is much more enjoyable experience if you join in on the dancing fun where people hold rice spoons and dance in carefree glory.
The Kin-nyamonya parade starts at 18:00. The dance itself is incredibly fun and carefree, where people hold shamoji (wooden spoons used for dishing rice), and dance with their hold body, flicking their wrists to the rhythm. And in that case, you might as well just grab a shamoji yourself and join in with the islanders having fun. You can ask locals for the moves, or you can just look and learn. The islanders, who have seen and encouraged the interaction with all kinds of people for many long years, will surely take you in with pleasure. The only thing you need is to have fun.
After the parade, the sky and sea are lit up with the vibrant colors of festival fireworks.
The memories you create here at this small beautiful island where original scenery of the heart still remains, will surely remain with you forever.
The Kin-nyamonya parade starts at 18:00. The dance itself is incredibly fun and carefree, where people hold shamoji (wooden spoons used for dishing rice), and dance with their hold body, flicking their wrists to the rhythm. And in that case, you might as well just grab a shamoji yourself and join in with the islanders having fun. You can ask locals for the moves, or you can just look and learn. The islanders, who have seen and encouraged the interaction with all kinds of people for many long years, will surely take you in with pleasure. The only thing you need is to have fun.
There are many repeaters to this festival so hotel and acoommodation rooms fill up quickly. Please make your reservations as early as possible. For information please visit or contact the Ama-cho Tourists Association
Ama-cho Tourist Association
Access to Ama-cho
By airplane
From the Yonago Airport, take the bus to Port Shichirui-kou (30min), then take the ferry that departs at 9:00am, 9:30am to Port Hishiura-kou (4h) of Ama-cho.
Or, from the Yonago Airport take the bus to Sakaiminato (25min), then take the high-speed Rainbow Jet that departs at 12:00noon to Port Hishiura-kou (approx. 2h) of Ama-cho.
By train
From the JR Sakaiminato Station, walk (very close) to Port Sakaiminato, then take the high-speed Rainbow Jet that departs at 12:00noon to Port Hishiura-kou (approx. 2h) of Ama-cho.
Or, from the JR Matsue Station take the bus to Port Shichirui-kou (30min), then take the ferry that departs at 9:00am, 9:30am to Port Hishiura-kou (4h) of Ama-cho.
*Warning
The boats connecting Sakaiminato, Shichirui-kou and Hishiura-kou are limited in numbers, so please be sure to plan ahead. Depending on your transportation needs, you may have to find accommodations ahead of time as well. The return trip from Ama-cho is also limited in number so please be sure to find a place to stay over night according to your travel plans.
For more information on departure times and schedules, please visit the link below (English).
http://www.oki-kisen.co.jp/cat...
