Tengu visit mountain shrines in Kasama at this unusual festival, where calls ring out
Abusive Language Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- 3rd Sunday of December / Once a year
- Area
- Ibaraki Prefecture・Kasama City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 10 min–1 h 30 min · limited express)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
At Mount Atago in Izumi, Kasama City, the Abusive Language Festival sees a procession dressed as tengu visit shrines in the mountains. Its distinctive calls, customs surrounding offerings, and final mochi toss are highlights.
About Abusive Language Festival
The Abusive Language Festival is held mainly at Iitsuna Shrine on Mount Atago in Izumi, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
A procession of 13 people dressed as tengu in white robes makes a pilgrimage, bringing offerings to shrines in the mountains.
Along the way, visitors exchange calls, and distinctive customs surrounding offerings continue to be observed.
Festival highlights
A highlight is the procession dressed as tengu carrying green bamboo as it visits shrines in the mountains, while visitors call out phrases such as “You idiot!”
At each shrine, people gather to seek offerings after the priests have finished praying, creating a distinctive tension unique to the festival.
The festival concludes with a mochi toss in the grounds of Atago Shrine.
Tengu visit mountain shrines in Kasama at this unusual festival, where calls ring out
What to expect
The event begins with 13 tengu and priests performing a ritual at Iitsuna Shrine, after which they visit shrines in the mountains, starting from the foot of Mount Atago.
Offerings are placed at each shrine, while visitors watch the procession and exchange calls.
After completing the pilgrimage, the procession returns to Atago Shrine, where a mochi toss and other events take place.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Around Atago Shrine and Iitsuna Shrine.
Atago Shrine is located at 101 Izumi, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
- Train and bus
A 28-minute walk (2.2 km) from Iwama Station on the JR Joban Line.
Sonobe bus stop is a 38-minute walk (3 km) away.
Address 101 Izumi, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Dates and season
The 2026 Abusive Language Festival is scheduled for December 20 (Sunday).
It is said to be held on the 3rd Sunday of December each year.
Source: ⛩愛宕神社｜茨城県笠間市 - 八百万の神 / 悪態祭り (笠間市) - Wikipedia
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Ibaraki Prefecture / Kasama City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
When offerings are being taken, it is important not to try to snatch them before the priest has finished praying.
Visitors are advised that if they are deemed to have broken the rules, tengu may stop them with green bamboo, and injuries may occur.
Avoid making defamatory remarks about named individuals, and follow the festival’s calls and safety precautions while watching.
Nearby attractions
笠間城
茨城県笠間市にあった城
笠間日動美術館
茨城県笠間市にある美術館
笠間稲荷神社
茨城県笠間市にある神社
Origins and History of Abusive Language Festival
No reliable historical records documenting the origins of the Abusive Language Festival have been found, and its beginnings are unclear.
One story says the festival began in the mid-Edo period, when officials serving the local lord wanted to hear residents’ grievances. Another theory links it to “Akutai-sai,” a festival intended to drive away evils such as epidemics.
It was once held late at night, but today it takes place during the day.
Official information
The tourism section of the Kasama City official website provides information on the origins of the Abusive Language Festival, its events, and rules and precautions for visitors.
Kasama City’s Tourism Division is listed as the contact.
For information that changes from year to year, such as the festival date, check the city’s annual events guide as well.
Abusive Language Festival at a Glance
The Abusive Language Festival is held on Mount Atago in Izumi, Kasama City, where a procession dressed as tengu visits shrines and visitors exchange distinctive calls.
Customs surrounding offerings and the final mochi toss are major highlights.
The festival is scheduled for December 20 (Sunday) in 2026, but information about how to participate and parking needs to be confirmed.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
Submit information or a correction Submit photos of this festival
