The first-obon customs of the Shadasaki Peninsula

Festival highlights

The highlight is the different forms of memorial observed in each community.

In the Mona tradition in Matsudani, dolls are stood on the ground, and people from households observing their first Obon circle around them to the sound of bells and drums.

In Kawano-hama and other areas, Ichimatsu dolls, lanterns, and other items are placed aboard Oshorobune boats made of straw or green bamboo and sent out to sea.

The forms of the events and the items used vary, offering a glimpse of how traditions differ from one settlement to another.

Shadasaki’s first-obon customs: turning dolls and sending boats adrift

What to expect

The customs differ by community.

In the Mona tradition in Matsudani, people carry a handmade doll to a shrine, circle around the doll to the sound of bells and drums, then light a farewell bonfire in the temple grounds.

For Oshorobune boats in Kawano-hama and other areas, boats are made on the beach and set adrift at sea in the evening with Ichimatsu dolls and other items aboard.

Rites of memorial and farewell continue, centered on households observing their first Obon after a death.

How to take part

The events are held mainly by families observing their first Obon after a bereavement and by local residents.

Whether general visitors may join the circle or take part in making the equipment is decided by each district.

If you wish to observe or take photographs, it is important to obtain permission from local residents or the families involved and follow community rules.

If you wish to observe, it is best to contact the district holding the event, the families involved, or a local point of contact in advance, and visit only after receiving permission.

The event is an important memorial observance centered on families observing their first Obon after a bereavement, and is different from an event open to general participation.

Please follow local guidance and community rules regarding photography and access to the site.

Location and access

Venue and address

Various places in Ikata Town.

The event location differs by community; events are held at temple grounds, shrine grounds, community centers, beaches, and other places.

Source: 佐田岬半島の初盆行事｜愛媛のイベントを探す｜愛媛県の公式観光サイト【いよ観ネット】

Address Throughout Ikata Town, Nishiuwa District, Ehime Prefecture

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Dates and season

It is usually open to the public from August 13 through the 16th, and tourist information describes it as an event held around August 15.

The dates and details vary by district, with events held separately in different areas, such as Mouna in the Matsu district and Oshorobune in the Kawanohama district.

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Tips for your visit

This is an important local event for commemorating and sending off deceased family members.

If you visit or take photos or videos, be sure to obtain permission from the families observing their first Obon and local residents, and take care not to disrupt the event.

Venues vary by community and may include beaches and temple or shrine grounds, so check the event location and visitor guidelines before your visit.

Nearby attractions

As a related facility, Ikata Town Library offers screenings of the documentary film “The First-Obon Customs of the Shadasaki Peninsula.”

The videos were made as part of a recording project by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and are available in an introductory version and a documentary version.

This can help you learn about the events and their background in each community before visiting.

Origins and History of The first-obon customs of the Shadasaki Peninsula

On the Shadasaki Peninsula, the first Obon observed after a death is called Niibon, Miibon, Shinbon, or by other names. Traditions have developed to welcome the spirits returning home, host them, and send them back.

Each community has its own customs, including Moryo and Mona, turning dolls, and sending Oshorobune boats adrift.

In Heisei 22, the event was recognized as worth documenting and was selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which the national government should take measures such as creating a record.

Source: お盆はみんなで回したり流したり～佐田岬半島の初盆行事～ - 祭り歳時記 - 文化庁広報誌 ぶんかる

Official information

Ikata Town’s official website’s cultural property guide and Ehime Prefecture’s official tourism website provide an overview of the event and information about when it is held.

The national cultural property database provides information about the event and the distinctive customs of each community.

For information about the event location and visitor guidelines, there are instructions on contacting the Machimi Local History Museum.

The first-obon customs of the Shadasaki Peninsula at a Glance

The first-obon customs of the Shadasaki Peninsula are rites of memorial and farewell centered on households observing their first Obon after a death, and have been passed down throughout Ikata Town.

Traditions vary by community and include turning dolls to the sound of bells and drums, and setting straw or green bamboo Oshorobune boats adrift.

When visiting, please treat the event as more than a public spectacle, show respect for the families and community, obtain permission in advance, and follow local rules.

Source: 伊方町の歴史と文化 - 伊方町公式ホームページ｜四国最西端・愛媛・南予・佐田岬