A festival to witness, through archery, the prayers passed down in Ohama and Awashima
Ohama and Awashima Momote Festivals
The 2026 edition of Ohama and Awashima Momote Festivals has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 第1期：2026/03/01Ended第2期：2026/03/15Ended
- Season / frequency
- Spring / Every year
- Location
- Awashima ; Funakoshi Hachiman-gu Shrine and Ohama Beach
- Area
- Kagawa Prefecture・Mitoyo City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 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.
- Features
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Momote Festival, passed down in Ohama and Awashima, Mitoyo City. The archery ritual held in front of the shrine is performed to pray for protection from misfortune, abundant catches and harvests, and safety at sea.
About Ohama and Awashima Momote Festivals
The Ohama and Awashima Momote Festivals are Momote festivals passed down in Ohama and Awashima, Mitoyo City.
The festival is held to pray for protection from misfortune, abundant catches and harvests, and safety at sea.
An archery ritual following traditional practices is held in front of the shrine, and the Momote Festivals in Ohama and Awashima are designated Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Kagawa Prefecture.
Source: 百々手祭(ももてまつり)／三豊市
Festival highlights
The highlight is the archery ritual performed in front of the shrine.
Onlookers watch to see whether the arrows shot by the archers hit the target.
This event brings together long-preserved traditional practices and prayers for protection from misfortune, good harvests, abundant catches, and safety at sea.
A festival to witness, through archery, the prayers passed down in Ohama and Awashima
What to expect
The festival features a and an archery ritual in front of the shrine.
Watch as the archers shoot their arrows and hit the target.
Funakoshi Hachiman-gu Shrine and Ohama Beach are listed for Ohama, while Awashima Jinja is listed for Awashima; the venue varies by location.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
Location and access
- Venue and address
The Awashima venue is Awashima Jinja, and the Ohama venue is Funakoshi Hachiman-gu Shrine and Ohama Beach.
Both are in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture.
- Train and bus
Take the Awashima Kisen ferry to Awashima.
It is about a 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stops to Suda Port and Miyanoshita Port.
- Parking
Designated parking areas are available at Suda Port and Miyanoshita Port, with free parking.
Event venue 香川県三豊市 粟島神社
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Period 1
2026/03/01
- Period 2
2026/03/15
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the Awashima Momote Festival was scheduled for March 1, and the Ohama Momote Festival for March 15.
The Awashima venue is Awashima Jinja, and the Ohama venue is Funakoshi Hachiman-gu Shrine.
Both dates are listed as Sundays.
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 Kagawa Prefecture / Mitoyo City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Travel to the Awashima venue requires a boat.
At Suda Port and Miyanoshita Port, use the designated parking areas and avoid parking where it may inconvenience local residents.
The island does not have sufficient medical services, so visitors are advised to check their health and belongings before traveling there.
Origins and History of Ohama and Awashima Momote Festivals
The Ohama Momote Festival is passed down as a shinji of Funakoshi Hachiman-gu Shrine.
It is said that in 712, the first year of the Jinki era, the formalities for the Momote ritual were established to bring peace to the nation and subdue evil spirits.
The festival was temporarily discontinued in Showa 34, but resumed in Showa 44 and continues to this day.
Source: 大浜ももて祭保存会｜文化芸術団体・個人｜かがわアートナビ
Official information
The event dates and venues can be checked in Mitoyo City's Momote Festival information.
The information includes venue details for Awashima Jinja and Funakoshi Hachiman-gu Shrine and Ohama Beach, along with maps for each venue.
The history of the Ohama Momote Festival is also featured in Kagawa Prefecture's cultural and arts organization information.
Ohama and Awashima Momote Festivals at a Glance
The Ohama and Awashima Momote Festivals are Momote festivals held to pray for protection from misfortune, abundant catches and harvests, and safety at sea.
In the archery ritual held in front of the shrine, attention focuses on the arrows the archers shoot and the target.
The venues are in separate locations in Ohama and Awashima, so according to the 2026 information, visitors go to Awashima on March 1 and Ohama on March 15.
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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