An Autumn Festival in Nasukarasuyama, with prayers at the Tendana ceremonial platform and Ayatake dances passed down through generations
Hanawa no Tensai
The 2026 edition of Hanawa no Tensai has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/30Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year
- Location
- Shogenji Temple
- Area
- Tochigi Prefecture・Nasukarasuyama City(From Tokyo: approx. 50 min–1 h · bullet 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
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A traditional event in Sanga, Nasukarasuyama City, where a Tendana ceremonial platform is set up in the grounds of Shogenji Temple for prayers to the Shinto and Buddhist deities, followed by dancing to drums and flutes.
About Hanawa no Tensai
Hanawa no Tensai is a folk event in Sanga, Nasukarasuyama City, where deities and Buddhas such as the sun and moon are enshrined, and prayers are offered for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.
A temporary tent is set up in the grounds of Shogenji Temple, where , Buddhist monks, and ascetics offer prayers.
The Tensai dance and accompanying music are also performed, preserving the event’s blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
It has also been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property Selected by the National Government.
Festival highlights
Highlights include the temporary tent set up in the grounds of Shogenji Temple and the Tensai dance performed on the stage in front of it.
After Shinto priests, Buddhist monks, and ascetics climb the Tendana ceremonial platform to offer prayers, dances are performed to flute and drum music.
In the Ayatake and fan dances, children dance with props, adding color to the festival.
A distinctive feature is the combination of Shinto rites and nenbutsu dancing.
Source: 塙の天祭 | とちぎ旅ネット〜栃木の観光旅行情報サイト
An Autumn Festival in Nasukarasuyama, with prayers at the Tendana ceremonial platform and Ayatake dances passed down through generations
What to expect
On the first day, the Tendana ceremonial platform is assembled in the grounds of Shogenji Temple. The following day, the ascetics perform water ablutions.
Afterward, Shinto priests, Buddhist monks, and ascetics climb the Tendana ceremonial platform to perform the rites. At the drum area, drums are played, and a procession is held with participants carrying bonten poles.
At night, the Tensai dance is performed to singing, flute, and drum music. After the ritual of sending off the kami, the drummers perform the “bukkiri.”
It is now held on a nearby weekend instead.
Source: 国指定文化財等データベース
Location and access
- Venue and address
Shogenji Temple (1660 Sanga, Nasukarasuyama City)
- Train and bus
About 10 minutes by car from Ogane Station on the JR Karasuyama Line.
- By car
About 40 minutes from Utsunomiya-Kaminokawa IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway.
Address 1660 Sanga, Nasukarasuyama City, Tochigi Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)
The event is scheduled for August 30 (Sunday) in 2026.
In most years, it is held on the Sunday closest to September 1, having shifted from its former 3-day, 2-night schedule to its current format.
Event hours have not been announced.
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 Tochigi Prefecture / Nasukarasuyama City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
Nearby, you can visit Ryumon Falls, close to Taki Station on the JR Karasuyama Line.
The waterfall is a large cascade 20 meters high and 65 meters wide, with walking paths in the surrounding area.
At the nearby Ryumon Furusato Mingeikan, Ryumon Café offers a place to relax while looking out at the falls.
The distance and travel time from the festival venue have not been provided.
Source: 塙の天祭｜各地のまつり｜まつりと
Origins and History of Hanawa no Tensai
Hanawa no Tensai is said to have begun when Shonin Chokai, who came from Dewa Province and founded Shogenji Temple in Sanga during the Kyoho era, introduced the Tensai observances and nenbutsu dancing.
In the past, it was held over 3 days and 2 nights, with the 210th day of the year as its central day, to pray for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.
It is now held mainly on the Sunday closest to September 1, with local elementary and junior high school students performing the Tensai dance.
In 1982, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property Selected by the National Government.
Official information
The Nasukarasuyama City official website’s digital museum introduces the origins of Hanawa no Tensai, its events, when it is held, and its location.
You can also find information about its cultural-property designation and the preservation group.
Hanawa no Tensai at a Glance
Hanawa no Tensai is a folk event blending Shinto and Buddhist traditions, passed down at Shogenji Temple in Sanga, Nasukarasuyama City.
Prayers at the Tendana ceremonial platform, music played on drums and flutes, and the Ayatake and fan dances form a sequence of events.
The prayers for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest are joined with dances performed by local children, who help carry on this historic festival.
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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