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Osaka Prefecture · Osaka City (From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train)

Nozato’s prayers, carried on through ceremonial attire and a procession of sacred offerings

Nozato Ichiya Kanjō

An image of a festival themed around Nozato Ichiya Kanjō

Festival information

EVENT INFORMATION
Season / frequency
Every year on February 20 (formerly on the 20th day of the New Year) / Every year
Location
Nozato Sumiyoshi Shrine
Area
Osaka Prefecture・Osaka City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet 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.
Highlights and activities
Wishes behind the festival
Last updated
2026/10/19

The Nozato Ichiya Kanjō is a festival handed down at Nozato Sumiyoshi Shrine. The procession of girls and the barrel of sacred offerings reflect an old custom of praying for peace in Nozato Village.

About Nozato Ichiya Kanjō

The Nozato Ichiya Kanjō is an annual observance held at Nozato Sumiyoshi Shrine.

In the past, there was a custom of offering to the gods a girl from a household chosen by a white-feathered arrow, in prayer for peace in Nozato Village.

Today, it is carried on in the form of selected girls wearing ceremonial attire, processing in a parade, and paying their respects at the shrine.

Source: お知らせ 個別 | 大阪くらしの今昔館

Festival highlights

A highlight is seeing girls in ceremonial attire process to the shrine to pay their respects.

The barrel carried by men holds sacred offerings. A “dragon’s head” is placed in the center, with red-and-white around it.

A distinctive feature is the offering of foods such as steamed rice, mochi, skewered dried persimmons, and simmered dishes, as well as fish including carp, crucian carp, and catfish.

Nozato’s prayers, carried on through ceremonial attire and a procession of sacred offerings

What to expect

As part of the event, selected girls wear ceremonial attire, process in a parade, and pay their respects at the shrine.

The men accompanying the procession carry a barrel filled with sacred offerings.

The barrel contains a variety of offerings, including fish and simmered dishes, offering a glimpse of the festival’s long-standing traditions.

How to take part

The central roles in the festival are filled by a girl selected from a household chosen by a white-feathered arrow and men carrying the barrel of sacred offerings.

If you wish to watch, please take care not to obstruct the procession or worshippers around the shrine.

Location and access

Venue and address

Nozato Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Event venue 大阪府大阪市 野里住吉神社

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season

Every year on February 20 (formerly on the 20th day of the New Year)

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 Osaka Prefecture / Osaka City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

Nearby attractions

Origins and History of Nozato Ichiya Kanjō

The Ichiya Kanjō festival has been handed down as a custom of praying for peace in Nozato Village.

A book from 1833, Tenpo 3, recording annual observances of the Edo period describes the Nozato Festival as an event venerating Sumiyoshi Myōjin and other deities, using fish as offerings and having young girls carry offerings on their heads.

Today, it is carried on as a procession in which girls wear ceremonial attire and pay their respects at the shrine.

Nozato Ichiya Kanjō at a Glance

The Nozato Ichiya Kanjō is a festival handed down at Nozato Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Its distinctive features include a procession of girls in ceremonial attire, a barrel of sacred offerings carried by men, a dragon’s head, red-and-white gohei, and offerings that include fish.

Against the background of a custom of praying for peace in the village, it carries on a Nozato tradition that also appears in records from the Edo period.

#Carry on one’s shoulders

Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team

Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19

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