A festival where a giant awakens and proceeds through Iwakawa with taiko and a sacred procession
Yagoro-don Festival at Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine in Osumi Town
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year, November 3–5 / Every year
- Location
- Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine
- Area
- Kagoshima Prefecture・Soo City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 20 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.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/11/12
A festival of Hachiman Shrine, centered on Yagoro-don, handed down in Iwakawa, Osumi Town, Soo City, Kagoshima Prefecture. From the giant’s awakening to the Hama-kudari, sacred rites, , shrine maiden dances, and the sacred procession unfold throughout the town.
About Yagoro-don Festival at Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine in Osumi Town
A 3-day festival centered on Yagoro-don, held at Hachiman Shrine in Iwakawa, Osumi Town.
A giant standing 4m85cm tall, dressed in plum-dyed clothing and carrying a sword and halberd while standing atop a cart, is a distinctive feature.
The festival continues with the announcement taiko, the awakening of Yagoro-don, the , taiko offerings, and the Hama-kudari. During the sacred procession, Yagoro-don moves through the community.
Yagoro-don is revered as a deity of health and longevity and as a guardian deity of Osumi Province and the Osumi Hayato.
Festival highlights
The main highlight is Yagoro-don, 4m85cm tall, standing on a cart and proceeding through town carrying a large and small sword and a 5m40cm halberd.
The moment when the giant is pulled upright with ropes at 4 a.m. and stands at 6 a.m. is part of the yearly ritual of bringing him back to life.
During the Hama-kudari, children pull Yagoro-don, followed by the miyatsuka, the advance party, the , and attendants.
Highlights include taiko offerings, shrine maiden dances accompanied by gagaku, an open-air market, and a parade through town.
A festival where a giant awakens and proceeds through Iwakawa with taiko and a sacred procession
What to expect
The festival begins on November 3 with the announcement taiko at 1 a.m. Yagoro-don is assembled at 2 a.m. and pulled upright with ropes at 4 a.m.
After standing atop the cart at 6 a.m., the procession proceeds through the morning reisai and Yagoro taiko offering before setting out for the Hama-kudari at 1 p.m.
The procession arrives at the around 2 p.m. to pray for the peace and prosperity of the community, then returns to Hachiman Shrine around 4 p.m.
Yagoro-don is enshrined in front of the until November 5.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine, 5745 Iwakawa, Osumi Town, Soo City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Address 5745 Iwakawa, Osumi Town, Soo City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
Every year, November 3–5
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
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Origins and History of Yagoro-don Festival at Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine in Osumi Town
Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine is said to have been founded in 1025 after its enshrinement was transferred from Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto.
The Edo-period record Sankoku Meishō Zue describes a festival figure made in human form to go ahead of the procession, dressed in plum-dyed clothing and equipped with a sword, standing on a four-wheeled cart.
The Hama-kudari was once held from Moto Hachiman to the confluence of the Maekawa and Hishida River. In the 1930s, it was at times held only as far as the grounds of Iwakawa Elementary School because of overhead power and telephone lines.
Yagoro-don’s costume is renewed every 4 years and sewn by women from the community.
Official information
Kagoshima Shrine Agency, “Yagoro-don Festival at Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine in Osumi Town”
Yagoro-don Festival at Iwakawa Hachiman Shrine in Osumi Town at a Glance
The Yagoro-don Festival in Iwakawa, Osumi Town, is a festival in which a 4m85cm giant is awakened and sent off toward the Hama-kudari accompanied by taiko and sacred rites.
The day begins with the announcement taiko at 1 a.m., followed by Yagoro-don’s awakening at 4 a.m., the Hama-kudari at 1 p.m., and the return around 4 p.m.
A variety of events take place at the shrine and throughout the town, including a sacred procession, taiko performances, shrine maiden dances, an open-air market, and a martial arts tournament.
Yagoro-don is connected with local beliefs and prayers for health, longevity, and abundant harvests.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
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Article updated: 2026/11/12
