Hatsu-uma (Kamitsuki)

Festival highlights

A highlight is watching the lion visit homes and dance from house to house.

It is said that having the lion bite your head wards off misfortune and brings good health throughout the year.

As an event in the Kamitsuki district, you can also see the distinctive local traditions preserved by youth groups and performing arts preservation societies.

Kamitsuki’s Hatsu-uma: a lion visits homes to ward off misfortune

What to expect

During the Hatsu-uma festival, the lion dances from house to house to ward off misfortune.

At the homes it visits, there is a custom of having the lion bite your head.

Hatsu-uma festivals are held at Ozakusu Shrine and in various districts across Miyakejima, with traditions varying from district to district.

Source: 三宅島内の神社で行われる主な年間行事 - 三宅島の神社

Location and access

Venue and address

Various districts across Miyakejima, including the Kamitsuki district of Miyake Village.

Hatsu-uma festivals are held at Ozakusu Shrine and other locations.

Train and bus

You can reach Miyakejima by large passenger ship from Takeshiba Pier or by plane from Chofu Airport.

Village-operated buses run on the island.

By car

Check local transport options and road conditions before visiting the island.

Event venue 東京都三宅村 御笏神社

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

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Dates and season

Season

Usually from early to mid-February

Frequency

Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Since the Hatsu-uma festival involves the lion visiting homes, visitors should take care not to disrupt local residents’ daily lives or the progress of the event.

There is a custom of having the lion bite your head, but please follow each district’s guidance on who can participate and how.

As the dates change every year, check the latest information before visiting.

Origins and History of Hatsu-uma (Kamitsuki)

Hatsu-uma is an event passed down in the various districts of Miyakejima by youth groups and performing arts preservation societies.

Each district has its own traditions, and Hatsu-uma festivals are also held at Ozakusu Shrine and other locations.

The origins and date of the event’s establishment, as well as its specific evolution in the Kamitsuki district, have not been clarified.

Official information

Hatsu-uma is listed as an annual event on Miyakejima on the Miyake Village Office tourism information page.

Event information from shrines on Miyakejima lists the period and locations for the Hatsu-uma festival, including Ozakusu Shrine and other districts.

Hatsu-uma (Kamitsuki) at a Glance

Hatsu-uma (Kamitsuki) is a traditional lion event held in various districts of Miyakejima, including the Kamitsuki district.

The lion dances from house to house, and people pray for protection from misfortune and good health throughout the year by having it bite their heads.

It is usually held from early to mid-February, but the exact dates change every year.