Traditional shinsen offerings and utai performances passed down in Funakata
Funakata Katori Shrine Goshaden Gozen Kenjo-shiki
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year on February 11 / Every year
- Location
- Funakata district
- Area
- Chiba Prefecture・Noda City(From Tokyo: approx. 40 min–1 h · 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.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
An annual Obisha ceremony in the Funakata district of Noda City, hosted in rotation by local groups. Shinsen offerings of mountain and field vegetables, fish, and other items are presented, followed by a handover of duties and a performance of utai (Noh chanting).
About Funakata Katori Shrine Goshaden Gozen Kenjo-shiki
The Funakata Katori Shrine Goshaden Gozen Kenjo-shiki is a folk event called “Obisha,” held every year in the Funakata district of Noda City.
This naorai-style event reflects the living culture of the middle and lower reaches of the Tone River and preserves an old form to this day.
A distinctive feature is that local groups take turns serving as the annual host, passing the tradition down as a community.
It was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Noda City in Heisei 13.
Source: 船形香取神社御社擅御膳献上式（ふなかたかとりじんじゃごしゃせんおぜんこんじょうしき）｜野田市ホームページ
Festival highlights
A highlight is the annual host group preparing shinsen offerings in accordance with old customs and presenting them before the kami.
The offerings include more than 20 kinds of mountain and field vegetables, fish, and other items, reflecting their close connection with local life.
During the handover of duties, performances of utai such as Takasago follow the sharing of sacred sake.
This is a venerable traditional event that brings together food, ritual, and utai.
Traditional shinsen offerings and utai performances passed down in Funakata
What to expect
At the event, one of the 15 bisha groups takes its turn to serve as the annual host and carry out the duties.
In accordance with old customs, mountain and field vegetables, fish, and other items are prepared as shinsen offerings and presented before the kami.
The handover of duties, called “Towatashi,” then takes place, followed by sharing sacred sake and a performance of utai.
Through the naorai format, the community’s ties and traditions are reaffirmed.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Funakata district, Noda City.
- Train and bus
Take the Mame Bus, Route 7 Naka, get off at the Funakata Multi-Generational Exchange Center bus stop, then walk about 11 minutes.
Address Funakata, Noda City
Dates and season
- Season
Every year on February 11
- 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 Chiba Prefecture / Noda City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
千葉県立関宿城博物館
千葉県野田市にある総合博物館
清水公園
千葉県野田市にある民営の自然公園
Origins and History of Funakata Katori Shrine Goshaden Gozen Kenjo-shiki
This event is preserved in the Funakata district as one of the Obisha ceremonies that convey the living culture of the middle and lower reaches of the Tone River.
It follows a naorai format and is considered a typical example of an event that retains its old form.
Today, the 15 bisha groups take turns serving as the annual host on behalf of the entire community, continuing the offering of shinsen and the handover of duties.
It was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Noda City in Heisei 13.
Official information
The Noda City official website’s guide to the Funakata Katori Shrine Goshaden Gozen Kenjo-shiki provides an overview of the event, its location, and access information.
Funakata Katori Shrine Goshaden Gozen Kenjo-shiki at a Glance
The Funakata Katori Shrine Goshaden Gozen Kenjo-shiki is an Obisha ceremony passed down in the Funakata district of Noda City.
More than 20 kinds of mountain and field vegetables, fish, and other items are presented as shinsen offerings; the handover of duties includes sharing sacred sake and a performance of utai.
This naorai-style event is hosted in rotation by local groups and was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Noda City in Heisei 13.
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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