The Shiwassu Festival of Hyūga-Nangō Mikado Shrine and Kijo Hiki Shrine

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the welcoming bonfire held on the first night.

In 2026, fires were lit on 22 towers, and the sacred procession made its way through the blazing flames toward Mikado Shrine.

On the second day, visitors can see night kagura performed by Takanabe Kagura, and on the third day, a farewell rite in which participants apply heguro to their faces. These offer a chance to experience the customs associated with fire, kagura, and parting in succession.

Source: 師走祭り（しわすまつり）2026 - 宮崎県美郷町南郷区

For 3 days, welcoming bonfires and kagura illuminate the route connecting the father and son deities

What to expect

The festival lasts 3 days. A group from Hiki Shrine sets out for Mikado Shrine, holds rites and kagura on the second day, and returns to Hiki Shrine on the third day.

On the first day, the groups meet at Isaka Shrine, followed by a ceremony and field burning at Tsukanohara Kofun, and the welcoming bonfire.

On the second day, events continue with a change of clothes for the sacred body, the Dontaro Festival, a visit to Yamamiya, a washing ceremony on the banks of the Komaru River, and night kagura. On the third day, participants apply heguro and bid farewell in the “Osaraba” ceremony.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

The festival follows a route connecting Hiki Shrine in Kijo, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Mikado Shrine in Mikado, Nango District, Misato, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture.

The address of Hiki Shrine is 1306-i, Shiigi, Kijo, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Train and bus

Hiki Shrine is about a 50-minute drive from JR Miyazaki Station and about a 15-minute drive from JR Takanabe Station.

By car

Hiki Shrine is a 5-minute drive from Kijo Town Hall.

Events on the Misato side, including the mukaebi ceremony, take place around Mikado, Nango District, Misato, Higashiusuki District.

Parking

Hiki Shrine has free parking.

On the Misato side, use nearby parking areas such as the free parking lot at Nishi no Shosoin and Kudara no Sato, and follow directions at the site.

Source: 比木神社 | 観光スポット | 宮崎県公式観光サイト「みやざき観光ナビ」

Address 1306-i, Shiigi, Kijo, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture (Hiki Shrine) / Around Mikado Shrine, Mikado, Nango District, Misato, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture

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Dates and season

Season

Held mainly on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in late January each year

Frequency

Every year

Tips for your visit

Sparks may rain down during the mukaebi fire-lighting ceremony, so visitors watching from the rice fields are advised to wear a hooded jacket.

Avoid down and other heat-sensitive synthetic clothing, as it may develop holes or catch fire.

When the sacred procession passes, stay off the road and watch from a spot that does not obstruct other spectators, following instructions at the site.

Nearby attractions

Near Mikado Shrine are Nishi no Shōsōin and the Baekje Museum.

The West Shōsōin displays treasures passed down at Mikado Shrine, including bronze mirrors and 1,003 halberds.

Baekje Village is also nearby, where visitors can explore the history and culture of the Baekje royal family associated with Mikado Shrine and the Shiwassu Festival.

Source: 神門神社 | 観光スポット | 宮崎県公式観光サイト「みやざき観光ナビ」

Origins and History of The Shiwassu Festival of Hyūga-Nangō Mikado Shrine and Kijo Hiki Shrine

A legend about the festival’s origins has been passed down, telling how a branch of the Baekje royal family settled in this area.

King Fukuchi of Kijo Town and King Teika of Misato Town are enshrined at Hiki Shrine and Mikado Shrine respectively, and the festival has been passed down as an event in which the sacred body of King Fukuchi meets his father.

The festival is said to have been held as early as 1457. The route was shortened around Showa 23, and today the event is held mainly over 3 days in late January.

Source: 比木神社／木城町

Official information

For information about the festival location and shrine, see Miyazaki Prefecture’s official tourism website, “Miyazaki Tourism Navi,” and the information provided by Kijo Town.

For related festival information, the Misato Town Tourism Association’s official website lists a page about the Shiwassu Festival.

The Shiwassu Festival of Hyūga-Nangō Mikado Shrine and Kijo Hiki Shrine at a Glance

The Shiwassu Festival is a 3-day ritual that connects Hiki Shrine in Kijo Town with Mikado Shrine in Misato Town and carries on the legend of a father and son meeting.

In 2026, the welcoming bonfire, kagura, application of heguro, and farewell rites were held from January 16 through the 18th.

The festival invites visitors to observe the procession and customs passed down in the community, while taking care around flying sparks and avoiding obstructing the procession.