A night in Mimitsu where calls from decorated bamboo branches bring a sailing legend to life
Okiyo Festival
The 2026 edition of Okiyo Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/01Ended
- Season / frequency
- The night of Hassaku according to the old lunar calendar (August 1)
- Location
- Mimitsu Town, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture
- Area
- Miyazaki Prefecture・Hyuga City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 40 min–2 h · 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
Okiyo Festival has been passed down in Mimitsu Town, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture, and takes place on the night of Hassaku according to the old lunar calendar. Children carrying decorated bamboo branches visit homes and call out, “Wake up, wake up!”
About Okiyo Festival
Okiyo Festival is an event passed down in Mimitsu Town, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture.
On the night of Hassaku according to the old lunar calendar, children carry bamboo branches decorated with strips of paper, visit homes around town, and knock on the doors, calling out, “Wake up, wake up!”
The festival is associated with the story that Emperor Jimmu set sail from this area, and it is a nighttime event that passes local traditions on to the present day.
Source: 起きよ祭り - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
One highlight is the distinctive nighttime scene of children carrying decorated bamboo branches through Mimitsu and knocking on the doors of homes as they call out to residents.
The festival’s calls evoke the local tradition that people went around town calling out to announce an unexpected departure by ship.
Stories about Okiyo dango, made by pounding and mixing rice flour and azuki beans, are another distinctive feature associated with the event.
A night in Mimitsu where calls from decorated bamboo branches bring a sailing legend to life
What to expect
The event takes place on the night of Hassaku according to the old lunar calendar. Children carry bamboo branches decorated with strips of paper and walk around town.
The main custom is to knock on the doors of homes and call out, “Wake up, wake up!” It is linked to a story that people hurried to announce Emperor Jimmu’s departure by ship.
The festival connects local traditions with daily life, including the stories behind Okiyo dango and Ofunade dango, local sweets.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Mimitsu Town, Hyūga City, Miyazaki Prefecture.
Held throughout the town.
- Train and bus
About 5 minutes by car from JR Mimitsu Station.
- By car
About 20 minutes by car from JR Hyūga-shi Station.
- Parking
A temporary parking lot is available.
Address Mimitsu Town, Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, it was held on September 1.
The event is usually held on the night of Hassaku according to the old lunar calendar, so its date varies on the Gregorian calendar.
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 Miyazaki Prefecture / Hyuga City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
In Mimitsu Town, there is a small shrine where Emperor Jimmu is said to have prayed for a safe voyage.
The also feature -kake-iwa, a rock where Emperor Jimmu is said to have sat.
A spot associated with the festival’s traditions, where you can learn about the area’s history alongside the event.
大御神社
宮崎県日向市日知屋にある神社
日向市歴史民俗資料館
宮崎県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of Okiyo Festival
Okiyo Festival is associated with the tradition that Emperor Jimmu set sail from Mimitsu during his eastern expedition.
According to the story behind the festival, around 2 a.m. on Hassaku according to the old lunar calendar, the wind became favorable and an abrupt departure was decided. People in town called out “Wake up” to hurry preparations along.
It is also said to combine a custom of celebrating the rice harvest by exchanging botamochi with a wind festival.
Official information
A link to the City of Hyuga’s information page is provided as related information.
Okiyo Festival at a Glance
Okiyo Festival is a traditional event held on the night of Hassaku according to the old lunar calendar in Mimitsu Town, Hyuga City.
Children carrying bamboo branches decorated with strips of paper visit homes and knock on the doors, calling out, “Wake up, wake up!” Their actions echo a local tradition that they were announcing Emperor Jimmu’s departure by ship.
This festival lets you feel the history of the area through the stories associated with Mimitsu’s historic streets and Mikoshi-kake-iwa (the Rock Where the Emperor Sat).
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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