Wakasa Shrine Taisai
A traditional festival held at a stately shrine where the guardian deity of Wakasa is enshrined
The Wakasa Shrine Taisai (grand festival), commonly known as “Wakasa Matsuri,” is a traditional festival that has been taking place for around 360 years. The centerpiece of this grand festival is the Miyuki-sai held every two years on May 3, an important ritual in which the deity is carried through the town.
During the Miyuki-sai, a spectacular procession featuring a mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying the deity, as well as participants dressed in traditional attire, parade through the historic streets of Wakasajuku, and traditional lion dances are performed. The clanging and banging of gongs and Japanese drums, lively chants of “Chonyase, Chonyase,” and the laughter of the crowds echo through the streets, taking the festive atmosphere up another notch.
The climax of the festival takes place in the shrine grounds amid flickering torches. The sight of three mikoshi colliding fiercely with each other is both gallant and mysterious. It is truly the highlight of the festival and offers a vivid experience of Japan's traditional culture and strength.
During the Miyuki-sai, a spectacular procession featuring a mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying the deity, as well as participants dressed in traditional attire, parade through the historic streets of Wakasajuku, and traditional lion dances are performed. The clanging and banging of gongs and Japanese drums, lively chants of “Chonyase, Chonyase,” and the laughter of the crowds echo through the streets, taking the festive atmosphere up another notch.
The climax of the festival takes place in the shrine grounds amid flickering torches. The sight of three mikoshi colliding fiercely with each other is both gallant and mysterious. It is truly the highlight of the festival and offers a vivid experience of Japan's traditional culture and strength.
Basic Information
- Address (Japanese)
- 680-0701 鳥取県八頭郡若桜町若桜634(社務所)
- Event venue
- Wakasajuku, Wakasa Shrine
- Event period
- Every other year on May 3 (eve of the festival on May 2) (next event to be held in 2026)
- Access
- Approx. 9 minutes on foot from Wakasa Station on Wakasa Railway
- Car Park
- Available (free parking)
- Website
- Official website
