A Shinme races up the stone steps in a dedication ritual passed down in Kimitsu
Hitomi Jinja “Shinme”
The 2026 edition of Hitomi “Shinme” has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/07/19Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year July / Every year
- Location
- Hitomi Jinja
- Area
- Chiba Prefecture・Kimitsu 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.
- Features
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/23
At Hitomi Jinja, the “Shinme” is a festival ritual in which a stallion chosen by the priest climbs the stone steps with local and is dedicated at the . The tradition has been passed down in the coastal areas of Kimitsu and Futtsu, where prayers have been offered for abundant catches along the shore and a good harvest inland.
About Hitomi Jinja “Shinme”
At Hitomi Jinja, the “Shinme” is a local festival in which a Shinme chosen by the priest accompanies the procession up the stone steps to be dedicated.
This tradition has been passed down at Hitomi Jinja, revered as the guardian shrine of the coastal areas of Kimitsu and Futtsu.
The festival includes prayers for abundant catches along the shore and a good harvest inland in the villages, and features the dedication of the Shinme and the men’s .
Source: 神馬／人見神社｜イベント｜千葉県公式観光サイト ちば観光ナビ
Festival highlights
The highlight is the scene where the Shinme races up Hitomi Jinja’s stone steps, then proceeds up the slope and dances into the haiden at the summit.
The horse is accompanied by 1 nose-pole bearer and 2 handlers, one on each side, making 3 people climbing together.
The Shinme dedication coincides with the dedication of the men’s dashi and is remembered as a spirited festival ritual.
A Shinme races up the stone steps in a dedication ritual passed down in Kimitsu
What to expect
During the festival, a stallion chosen by the priest is accompanied by a nose-pole bearer and handlers on its left and right, and they race up the stone steps together.
After that, it proceeds up the slope and dances into the haiden at the summit, then circles clockwise inside the shrine building.
It is said that a year in which the circuit is completed without incident will bring a good harvest.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Hitomi Jinja, 892 Hitomi, Kimitsu City
- Train and bus
JR Uchibo Line: about 10 minutes by taxi from Kimitsu Station / JR Uchibo Line: about 5 minutes by taxi from Aohori Station
- By car
About 15 minutes from the Kisarazu-minami Interchange on the Tateyama Expressway, heading toward National Route 16, Futtsu Cape, and central Kimitsu
- Parking
About 50 spaces, free of charge.
No parking for large buses
Address 892 Hitomi, Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 information listed it as scheduled for July 19 (Sunday).
The dedication of the Shinme is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
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 / Kimitsu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The route to the continues uphill on a steep path, so comfortable, well-worn shoes are recommended.
The route includes climbing stone steps along the , so please take care with your footing when visiting.
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions listed for Hitomi Jinja include Mount Mifune, Nippon Steel Corporation’s East Nippon Works Kimitsu Area, and JA Kimitsu Mirakui Sadamoto Store.
You can check out tourist spots in Kimitsu City as well as the festival venue.
Origins and History of Hitomi Jinja “Shinme”
The Shinme dedication has been passed down as a festival praying for abundant catches along the shore and a good harvest inland.
The Shinme dedication ritual at Hitomi Jinja is a designated cultural property of Kimitsu City, and is listed in the city’s cultural property register as “Hitomi Jinja ‘Shinme’”; it was designated in Showa 45 September 21.
The tradition is carried on by the Hitomi Jinja Shinme Preservation Society.
Source: 人見神社 - 君津市観光協会 / 君津市の文化財・記念物 - 君津市公式ホームページ
Official information
人見神社の公式サイトは 人見神社の公式サイト です。
The listed contact is the Kimitsu City Economic Promotion Division, phone 0439-56-1325.
Hitomi Jinja “Shinme” at a Glance
At Hitomi Jinja, the “Shinme” is a festival ritual in which a stallion, accompanied by 3 attendants, races up the stone steps and is dedicated at the haiden at the summit.
It has been passed down as an event praying for abundant catches along the shore and a good harvest inland, and is also a designated cultural property of Kimitsu City.
The 2026 information listed it as scheduled for July 19.
The dedication is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/23
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