Children take center stage in the doji sumo passed down at Ena Hachiman Jinja
Kobiki Doji Sumo
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year in October / Every year
- Location
- Ena Hachiman
- Area
- Wakayama Prefecture・Yura Town(From Tokyo: approx. 3 h 30 min–4 h · bullet train + connecting 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
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/23
Kobiki Doji Sumo, passed down in Kobiki, Yura Town, is a folk performing art offered by children as the main performers at the October main festival of Ena Hachiman Jinja. It is also designated an intangible folk cultural property of the prefecture.
About Kobiki Doji Sumo
Kobiki Doji Sumo is a folk performing art passed down in Kobiki, Yura Town, Wakayama Prefecture.
It is offered as a folk performance featuring children at the main festival held each October at Ena Hachiman Jinja.
Kobiki Doji Sumo is designated an intangible folk cultural property of Wakayama Prefecture.
Source: 衣奈八幡神社 - 由良町観光協会 / 県指定文化財・民俗文化財 | 和歌山県教育委員会
Festival highlights
The highlight is Kobiki Doji Sumo, offered by children as the main performers at the main festival of Ena Hachiman Jinja.
It is passed down not merely as a sumo event, but as a folk performing art designated an intangible folk cultural property of the prefecture.
The fact that the Kobiki Doji Sumo Preservation Society in Kobiki, Yura Town, is listed as the preservation organization also shows that this event is carried on by the local community.
Children take center stage in the doji sumo passed down at Ena Hachiman Jinja
What to expect
The event is held in conjunction with the main festival at Ena Hachiman Jinja in October, with folk performing arts featuring children offered as a dedication.
Kobiki Doji Sumo is offered as the central part of the event.
Details are not provided about how the matches proceed, precise times, or how people other than participants can get involved.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Ena Hachiman Jinja, 669 Ena, Yura Town, Hidaka District
- Train and bus
4.5 km from the nearest station, an 80-minute walk
- Parking
Available
Address 669 Ena, Yura Town, Hidaka District
Dates and season
It is offered at the main festival of Ena Hachiman Jinja each October.
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 Wakayama Prefecture / Yura Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Ena Hachiman Jinja is reached by climbing about 100 stone steps overlooking Enaura.
Parking is listed as available.
Nearby attractions
白崎海洋公園
和歌山県日高郡由良町にある道の駅を併設する公園
Origins and History of Kobiki Doji Sumo
Kobiki Doji Sumo was listed as an intangible folk cultural property of Wakayama Prefecture in Showa 41 April 12, and the Kobiki Doji Sumo Preservation Society in Kobiki, Yura Town, is its preservation organization.
Ena Hachiman Jinja, where the performance is offered, is said to have been founded in Jōgan 2 of the Heian period (860).
A legendary rock said to be where Empress Jingū sat still remains at the jinja.
Official information
Yura Town Tourism Association, “Ena Hachiman Jinja”
Kobiki Doji Sumo at a Glance
Kobiki Doji Sumo is an intangible folk cultural property of the prefecture passed down in Kobiki, Yura Town.
It is offered as a folk performance featuring children at the main festival held each October at Ena Hachiman Jinja.
The venue, Ena Hachiman Jinja, is at 669 Ena, Yura Town, Hidaka District. It is listed as 4.5 km from the nearest station, an 80-minute walk, with parking available.
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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