An early-spring shinji in which children carry on a folk tale about a princess from the Kanna River
Otō Ohinagayu
The 2026 edition of Otō Ohinagayu has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/04/03Ended
- Season / frequency
- Early in the morning on April 3 / Every year
- Location
- Otō riverbank
- Area
- Gunma Prefecture・Ueno Village(From Tokyo: approx. 50 min–1 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
- Participation fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 2026/11/11
Set against a folk tale about a princess swept down the Kanna River and cared for, this is a traditional event passed down by children in the Otō area.
About Otō Ohinagayu
Otō Ohinagayu is a traditional event passed down in the Otō area of Ueno Village, Gunma Prefecture.
Inspired by a folk tale about a princess swept along the Kanna River who was rescued and cheered up with rice porridge, it is held early in the morning every year on April 3.
The event has been passed down by children, who spend time eating rice porridge and playing inside a circular stone enclosure known as “the Castle.”
As a traditional said to have arisen from the Kamiokuri ritual, it has also been designated a Nationally Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Festival highlights
A highlight is watching kotatsu and Hina dolls being brought into the circular stone enclosure known as “the Castle.”
The children spend time there eating rice porridge and playing.
In this simple activity, which begins early in the morning, the folk tale of the princess associated with the Kanna River overlaps with the Kamiokuri ritual passed down in the Otō area.
The event itself provides a setting where local traditions are handed down to children.
An early-spring shinji in which children carry on a folk tale about a princess from the Kanna River
What to expect
The event starts early in the morning every year on April 3.
Starting early in the morning, kotatsu and Hina dolls are brought into the circular stone enclosure known as “the Castle,” where the children spend time eating rice porridge and playing.
Through these moments, an event based on the story of a princess cared for after being swept down the Kanna River is passed on.
A shinji rooted in the Kamiokuri ritual, carried out with children at its center.
How to take part
参加費：無料
Location and access
- Venue and address
Otō riverbank, Otō, Ueno Village, Tano District, Gunma Prefecture
- By car
40 minutes from Shimonita IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway
- Parking
None / parking space available on the riverbank
Address Otō, Ueno Village, Tano District, Gunma Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed event date has passed)
Event information was posted on April 3, 2026 (Friday).
The event takes place early in the morning.
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 Gunma Prefecture / Ueno Village (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions include fireflies along the Kanna River near Michi-no-Eki Uenomura and Villa Seseragi.
Origins and History of Otō Ohinagayu
Otō Ohinagayu is a folk event based on a story that a princess swept along the Kanna River was rescued, given rice porridge, and cared for.
In the event as it is held today, kotatsu and Hina dolls are brought into the circular stone enclosure known as “the Castle,” where children eat rice porridge and play.
Passed down as a traditional shinji said to have arisen from the Kamiokuri ritual, it is designated a Nationally Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Official information
Ueno Village official website: “Festivals and Events”
Otō Ohinagayu at a Glance
Otō Ohinagayu is a traditional event held early in the morning every year on April 3 in the Otō area of Ueno Village.
Based on a folk tale about a princess who was cared for after being swept down the Kanna River, kotatsu and Hina dolls are brought into the circular stone enclosure known as “the Castle,” where children spend time eating rice porridge and playing.
As a shinji said to have arisen from the Kamiokuri ritual, the event allows children to carry on local traditions.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/11
