Kanna River Okawase-sage Ritual

A river-centered ritual in which the is carried to the Kanna River and the sacred object is purified, with prayers for the community’s health and safety and a bountiful harvest.

About Kanna River Okawase-sage Ritual

The Kanna River Okawase-sage ritual is a traditional event in which a shrine’s sacred object is placed in a mikoshi, carried to the riverbank, and purified with river water.

In the Otsuchi district of Ueno Village, the deity is carried from a shrine halfway up the mountain to the Kanna River. At Nakayama Shrine in Uo, Kanna Town, young men carry the mikoshi into the river and place the sacred object at a sacred seat in the river shallows.

The festival reflects the deep connection between the Kanna River and local life, and is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Gunma Prefecture.

Source: おひながゆと御川瀬下げ神事が開催されました | 村からのお知らせ | 上野村 / 中山神社のお川瀬下げ／神流町

Festival highlights

A highlight is the mikoshi carrying the sacred object entering the Kanna River and performing purification rites in the water.

At the Nakayama Shrine event, young men carry the mikoshi into the river and purify it by circling vigorously to the right 3 times.

After the ritual, the sacred object is placed at a sacred seat in the river shallows. The distinctive procession back to the shrine, during which small stone lanterns are toppled, is also part of the event.

A ritual of purification and prayer, carried on as the mikoshi enters the Kanna River

What to expect

During the event, the mikoshi is carried from the shrine to the Kanna River, and the sacred object is transferred to a platform or sacred seat set up in the river shallows.

Offerings are made by the river, and a priest recites prayers and purifies the sacred object.

The official information also notes that performances such as dance and theater by local volunteers may take place after the ritual in the Otsuchi district of Ueno Village.

Source: 日本の川 - 関東 - 神流川 - 国土交通省水管理・国土保全局

Location and access

Venue and address: The event takes place around Nakayama Shrine at 719 Uo, Kanna Town, and along the riverbank on the Kanna River, reached from the Otsuchi district of Ueno Village.

Address 719 Uo, Kanna Town, Tano District, Gunma Prefecture; Otsuchi district, Ueno Village

Open in Google Maps

Travel by taxi PRFind a taxi or private transfer for your journey.Find a taxi on Kiwitaxi Long-distance buses are another option PRFind routes and fares from your departure point to your destination.Find highway buses on Rakuten Travel

Dates and season

The Kawase-sage in the Otchichi district of Ueno Village is introduced as a spring event held every year on April 5.

Origins and History of Kanna River Okawase-sage Ritual

Along the Kanna River, traditional festivals rooted in the river have been passed down against a backdrop of the river’s close ties to everyday life.

Okawashige is said to be a festival giving thanks for the blessings of the river. It is believed that in this drought-prone region, people prayed for abundant water and a good harvest of the five grains.

The tradition of carrying the mikoshi to the river shallows, reciting norito prayers, and purifying the sacred object continues today.

Official information

The official Kanna Town website introduces the Okawase-sage at Nakayama Shrine as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Gunma Prefecture.

The official Ueno Village website also lists the festival in the Otsuchi district and the mikoshi Okawashige as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by the prefecture.

For confirmation of dates or inquiries, please consult the information provided by the local authorities.

Kanna River Okawase-sage Ritual at a Glance

The Kanna River Okawase-sage ritual is a local traditional event in which a mikoshi carries the sacred object to the riverbank, where purification rites and prayers are performed.

In the Otsuchi district of Ueno Village and Uo, Kanna Town, traditions include entering the river, placing the sacred object at a sacred seat, and processional rites that evoke the connection with the Kanna River.

例年の案内として乙父地区は4月5日が示されています。

Source: 祭り・イベント | 上野村