Bonten Festival (Akita Prefecture)

Festival highlights

Highlights include bonten designs and offering ceremonies that differ from area to area.

In Yokote, elaborate headpieces are placed on large bonten, and their craftsmanship is judged before the offering.

At Akita City's Miyoshi Bonten Festival, a thrilling scene unfolds as people carrying bonten jostle to be first in line, amid the sound of conch shells and shouts.

Source: （冬）横手のぼんでん｜横手市公式サイト

Akita’s offerings and shouts, brought to life by bonten that differ from area to area

What to expect

Neighborhood associations, youth groups, businesses, and other organizations prepare bonten and carry them to shrines while shouting.

At the destination, they place the bonten in the shrine’s main hall; depending on the area, distinctive practices may also include pushing and jostling, crossing a river, or offering bonten in a marsh.

In Yokote, the event typically follows a sequence of a contest on the previous day, followed by the offering at Asahioka Shrine the next day.

Location and access

Venue and address

Bonten festivals are held at shrines throughout Akita Prefecture, and the venues vary by area.

For the Yokote Bonden, the Bonten Contest is held in front of the Yokote City Hall Main Building, and the bonten offering takes place at Asahioka Shrine (within the Kaminiwato area of Osawa, Yokote City).

Train and bus

This varies by venue in each area.

By car

Routes to each venue vary by area.

Parking

Parking options near the venues and their terms of use vary by area.

Event venue 秋田県秋田市 · Yokote City · 大仙市など 梵天まつりは秋田県内各地の神社で行われ

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season

It varies by area; some events are held from January to September.

Frequency

Held at shrines and in communities throughout Akita Prefecture.

Tips for your visit

Since the content and venues of bonten festivals vary by area, check the shrine you plan to visit and the event date before you go.

At events involving pushing and jostling, be mindful of the route taken during the offering and areas within the shrine grounds where entry is restricted.

Some areas hold their events during the snowy season. At events such as Yokote’s, where bonten move forward energetically to shouts, it is important to follow the guidance provided at the venue while watching.

Origins and History of Bonten Festival (Akita Prefecture)

There are several theories about the origins and etymology of bonten, and some aspects remain unclear.

The Yokote Bonden is said to have a history of about 300 years. The offering was held on day 17 of lunar month 1, and in Showa 27 it was changed to the Gregorian calendar date February 17.

A Bonten Contest was added in Showa 34, and in Showa 55, local elementary school students began taking part in the “Kowaka Bonden,” helping the event grow as a community tradition.

Official information

For information on the Yokote Bonden, the Yokote City official website provides the event dates, venues, features, and history.

For information on Akita City's Miyoshi Bonten Festival, the Akita City official website's introduction to folk performing arts describes the offering, shouts, and features of the pushing and jostling.

For bonten festivals in each area, check the information provided by the relevant shrine or local government.

Bonten Festival (Akita Prefecture) at a Glance

The Bonten Festival is a traditional event held throughout Akita Prefecture, where bonten are offered to shrines to pray for good harvests and safety.

Highlights vary by area and include large bonten, elaborate headpieces, shouts, and pushing and jostling.

Since dates and venues differ by shrine, decide which area you plan to visit and then check the detailed information.