Nagataki Ennen

Festival highlights

Highlights include the solemn Ennen dance and the contrast with the flower-grabbing that takes place midway through.

Performances are presented in sequence around a sweets stand in the center of the festival hall: ta-uta, hayashi dance, the children’s ranbyoshi dance, ta-odori, and taishū-mai.

When spectators scramble for flowers suspended from the ceiling, the quiet mood of the performing arts gives way, bringing the festival’s movement and energy to the fore.

Source: 白鳥エリアのみどころ | 郡上市 Gujo City

A traditional Hakusan festival where graceful ancient dances meet the flower-grabbing

What to expect

A confection stand is placed in the center of the festival hall, while the priest, elder, manabi, middle-aged elder, taiko player, flute player, and others line up on either side.

After the elder recites words praising the sweets, the attendants distribute them, and then the confection stand is tossed into the crowd.

This is followed by ta-uta, hayashi dance, a children’s ranbyoshi dance, ta-odori, and a group dance; the Hanaubai takes place during the sequence of dances.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the festival without a reservation.

Visitors can watch the dedication of the Ennen and the Hanaubai (flower-snatching), and worship and viewing are listed as free of charge.

Crowds are expected during the Hanaubai, so viewers should watch those around them and follow the guidance of the preservation society and shrine to enjoy the event safely.

No reservation is needed to watch.

Admission is listed as free, and visitors can watch the Ennen being dedicated in the haiden of Nagataki Hakusan Jinja.

No special application process or application contact is listed.

Source: 長滝の延年 | 岐阜県 | 日本の文化遺産を探す｜国宝・重要文化財データベース

Location and access

Venue and address

Nagataki Hakusan Shrine (138 Nagataki, Shirotori-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture)

Train and bus

About a 5-minute walk from Hakusan-Nagataki Station on the Nagaragawa Railway Etsumi-Nan Line.

By car

About 10 minutes by car from the Shiratori Interchange on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.

Parking

Parking is indicated behind Hakusan-Nagataki Station, at the roadside station Michi-no-Eki Hakusan Bunka no Sato Nagataki, and behind Hakusan Cultural Museum.

It may be crowded on the day.

Address 138 Nagataki, Shirotori-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture

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Dates and season

The Ennen of Nagataki is dedicated each year on January 6 as the central event of the Mutsuka Festival.

The dedication begins at 1 p.m., and the trial performance is held at 1 p.m. on the previous day, January 5.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

As it takes place in a mountainous area in winter, warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Many people gather during the flower-grabbing, and movement can become intense, so please prioritize your safety and that of those around you.

Photography is permitted from the general viewing area. However, please avoid using flash during the Ennen dance and follow guidance from the preservation society and shrine.

Nearby attractions

Hakusan Nagataki Temple is on the same grounds as Nagataki Hakusan Shrine and can also be visited as a place associated with Hakusan worship.

Hakusan Takihōden, located within the shrine grounds, houses the Important Cultural Properties of the wooden statues of Shaka Triad and the Four Heavenly Kings.

At Hakusan Cultural Museum, about a 5-minute walk away, you can view exhibits on Hakusan worship and the history of Shirotori Town.

Parks and gardensGujo City

清流長良川あゆパーク

岐阜県郡上市にある公園

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Museums and art museumsGujo City

郡上八幡博覧館

日本の岐阜県郡上市にある博物館

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写真：Asturio Cantabrio / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Castles and historic sitesGujo City

郡上八幡城

岐阜県郡上市の城

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写真：Akiyoshi's Room / Public domain

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Nagataki Ennen

Since Nagataki Ennen was originally performed at Nagataki Temple, a Buddhist temple, it retains the form and content of ancient Ennen performing arts.

As part of a festival praying for silkworm-raising and a good harvest, performances combining song, flute, drums, and dance have been passed down through the generations.

It was selected in 1970 as an intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as documentation should be undertaken, and designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property on May 17, 1977.

Official information

You can check the festival’s origins, performances, and cultural property designation in the “Nagataki Ennen” entry in the Database of National Cultural Properties.

Nagataki Ennen at a Glance

Nagataki Ennen is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property that preserves the form of ancient temple performing arts. It is offered each year at Nagataki Hakusan Shrine on January 6.

The quiet performances, such as ta-uta and ta-odori, are followed by hanadatori, in which people scramble for flowers suspended from the ceiling.

It is about a 5-minute walk from Hakusan-Nagataki Station. Please dress warmly for winter and take care to stay safe in crowds while watching.