A spirited Kue-oshi ritual passed down in a seaside town
Aō Kue Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- The Saturday and Sunday before the public holiday in October / Every year
- Location
- Shirahige Shrine
- Area
- Wakayama Prefecture・Hidaka Town(From Tokyo: approx. 3 h 30 min–4 h · bullet train + connecting train)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
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
An autumn festival dedicated to offering kue, passed down at Shirahige Shrine in Aō, Hidaka Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The highlight is the “Kue-oshi,” a contest between the Tōya group, who carry an offering before the deity, and young men who try to stop them. It is known as a spirited festival unique to a fishing community.
About Aō Kue Festival
The Aō Kue Festival is the autumn festival of Shirahige Shrine, located in Aō, Hidaka Town.
Against the backdrop of life in a thriving fishing community, a distinctive festival has been passed down in which kue is offered to the deity.
This leading local intangible folk cultural property brings together solemn Shinto rites and events that evoke the strength of people whose lives are tied to the sea.
Source: 阿尾のクエ祭 | わかやまの文化財
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the “Kue-oshi,” in which an offering of kue is carried before the deity.
The Tōya group, eager to bring the festival to a close, and the young men, who try to stop them, compete fiercely, creating a rough-and-tumble scene in stark contrast to the solemn rites.
This festival is unique to Aō, expressing the solidarity and energy of a fishing town.
A spirited Kue-oshi ritual passed down in a seaside town
What to expect
During the festival, the Tōya group carries an offering of kue before the deity.
The young men then block their way, and a contest unfolds between those trying to offer the kue quickly and those trying to stop them.
The contrast between the solemn Tōya ritual before the deity and the forceful contest gives the festival its distinctive flow.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Shirahige Shrine, Aō, Hidaka Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture.
- Train and bus
From Kii-Uchihara Station on the JR Kinokuni Line, it is about 10 minutes by taxi.
- By car
Directions are available from the coastal road to Shirahige Shrine.
Source: クエ祭
Address Aō, Hidaka Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
The Saturday and Sunday before the public holiday in October
- Frequency
Every year
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 Wakayama Prefecture / Hidaka Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The highlight, the “Kue-oshi,” is an event in which the Tōya group and the young men compete fiercely.
As this festival takes place within the , watch from a spot that does not obstruct proceedings, and follow the directions of staff and local guides.
Check transportation and parking arrangements for the festival dates in advance.
Origins and History of Aō Kue Festival
The Kue Festival is an autumn festival at Shirahige Shrine that has been passed down in the local community.
Aō is a thriving fishing area, and the festival’s rough-and-spirited character also reflects the local way of life.
The distinctive custom of carrying kue before the deity, along with the contest between the Tōya group and the young men, has been passed down to the present day.
Official information
The Aō Kue Festival is introduced as an intangible folk cultural property designated by Wakayama Prefecture.
The prefecture’s cultural property guide notes that it is the autumn festival of Shirahige Shrine and describes the festival’s features, especially the “Kue-oshi.”
You can consult the prefecture’s cultural property information to learn about the festival’s cultural value.
Aō Kue Festival at a Glance
The Aō Kue Festival is the autumn festival of Shirahige Shrine, passed down in Aō, Hidaka Town, a fishing community.
During the “Kue-oshi,” in which kue is carried before the deity, the Tōya group and the young men compete fiercely.
This festival is a prefecture-designated intangible folk cultural property where solemn Shinto rites and spirited events take place side by side.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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