An autumn festival where danjiri and rituals resound through a townscape steeped in memories of the sea
Autumn Grand Festival of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year, October 1–October 3 / Every year
- Location
- The , about 550 m northeast of the main sanctuary of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine, and Tachibana’s old townscape
- Area
- Tokushima Prefecture・Anan City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 min · flight time only)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
- 2026/11/12
An autumn grand festival passed down in Tachibana, Anan City, reflecting the ties between the sea and the community. , , boat songs, , and more unfold amid the old townscape.
About Autumn Grand Festival of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine
The Autumn Grand Festival of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine is held every year in the autumn in Tachibana, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture.
Based at the otabisho about 550 m northeast of the shrine’s main sanctuary, rituals and events unfold amid Tachibana’s old townscape.
People of all generations, from children to elders, take part, and the festival has been passed down as an event that supports community ties.
Festival highlights
Highlights include the vigorous danjiri clashes held until late at night and the danjiri procession through the townscape.
A variety of events have been passed down, including kadzuke performances, Tatara Ondo, boat songs, yadofuri, miko dances, shishimai, and a local mikoshi procession.
The festival is also closely tied to the sea: the “yandashi” of the danjiri and the boat songs reflect the local fishing culture.
An autumn festival where danjiri and rituals resound through a townscape steeped in memories of the sea
What to expect
At the festival, four groups each take on their own roles and carry out a variety of events centered on the rituals.
Elementary school children play the ; high school students and young adults take part in yadofuri and shishimai and pull the danjiri; girls take part in the girls’ danjiri and miko dances.
The mikoshi also makes a procession to places such as the fisheries cooperative and fish market, and boat songs are sung on the final day.
Location and access
- Venue and address
The otabisho, about 550 m northeast of the main sanctuary of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine, and Tachibana’s old townscape
- Address
Ōura, Tachibana, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture
Address Ōura, Tachibana, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
Every year, October 1–October 3
- 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 Tokushima Prefecture / Anan City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
阿南市立阿波公方・民俗資料館
徳島県阿南市那賀川町にある博物館
Origins and History of Autumn Grand Festival of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine
Kaishō Hachiman Shrine is said to have been founded in the early 11th century in Kuwano, now part of Anan City, and restored at its present location in Bun'ei 6 (1269).
Old documents belonging to the Orihara family, whose head serves as the chief priest, confirm that the festival had begun by the late Edo period at the latest.
In June 6, 2016, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tokushima Prefecture.
Official information
The Kaishō Hachiman Shrine Autumn Grand Festival is listed on the Online Cultural Heritage site as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Tokushima Prefecture.
The listing explains the festival’s origins, venue, events, and how it is passed down in the community.
Autumn Grand Festival of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine at a Glance
The Autumn Grand Festival of Kaishō Hachiman Shrine is a festival where rituals and local life come together amid the old townscape of Tachibana, Anan City.
A variety of events have been passed down, including danjiri clashes and processions, shishimai, miko dances, boat songs, and the mikoshi procession.
Its defining features include sea-related lyrics, tools, and songs, as well as community ties that span generations.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/12
