Kawato Momote carries on an old tradition with its target facing east
Kawato Momote
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Area
- Kochi Prefecture・Otoyo Town(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 20 min–1 h 40 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.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Kawato Momote is a Momote event that has been passed down in Otoyo Town, Kochi Prefecture, for more than 400 years. The east-facing archery target reflects local faith and tradition.
About Kawato Momote
Kawato Momote is one of the Momote traditions passed down in Kawato, Otoyo Town, Kochi Prefecture.
Three Momote traditions have been passed down in Otoyo Town: Momohara Momote, Kawato Momote, and Nagafuchi Momote.
Kawato Momote is distinctive for its east-facing archery target, and it is an event that has been passed down in the community for many years.
Source: 百手（桃原・川戸・永渕）｜大豊町 行政・暮らし
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the east-facing archery target used in Kawato Momote.
While most Momote targets in Otoyo Town face west, Kawato Momote is different.
The reason is said to lie in its connection to the deity enshrined at Usa Hachimangu Shrine, which enshrines a divided spirit, linking local faith with the form of the event.
Kawato Momote carries on an old tradition with its target facing east
What to expect
Kawato Momote is a traditional Momote event in which arrows are aimed at a target.
Its distinctive feature is that the target is set facing east.
It is said to avoid the west because of its connection to the deity enshrined at Usa Hachimangu Shrine, which enshrines a divided spirit; local faith is expressed through the use of bows and arrows.
Location and access
- Address
Otoyo Town
Host municipality 高知県大豊町
This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.
Origins and History of Kawato Momote
Kawato Momote is said to have a history of more than 400 years.
Three Momote traditions have been passed down in Otoyo Town: Momohara Momote, Kawato Momote, and Nagafuchi Momote. Kawato Momote has been passed down in the community as one of them.
The target is said to face east, avoiding the west because of its connection to the deity enshrined at Usa Hachimangu Shrine, which enshrines a divided spirit.
Official information
The Otoyo Town official website’s Board of Education page introduces Momohara Momote, Kawato Momote, and Nagafuchi Momote.
You can learn about the direction of Kawato Momote’s target and the background to its tradition.
Kawato Momote at a Glance
Kawato Momote is one of the three Momote traditions passed down in Otoyo Town.
It is distinguished by its unique east-facing archery target, said to have originated in its connection to the deity enshrined at Usa Hachimangu Shrine, which enshrines a divided spirit.
It has been passed down as a local traditional event with a history of more than 400 years.
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 Kochi Prefecture / Otoyo Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
Submit information or a correction Submit photos of this festival
