Shirama-tsu no Omachi (Grand Festival) Events

Festival highlights

The main highlight is Oonawata-shi, in which 2 large banners representing the sun and moon are pulled with a thick rope.

The sight of a large group of young men straining to pull the banners toward the temporary shrine is considered one of the festival’s most powerful scenes.

Performances dedicated to the deities are also presented, including Sasara Odori, centered around the 2 nakadachi, as well as Tohiirai, Enyabo, and Sakedaru Manto.

A grand festival held once every 4 years, when large banners representing the sun and moon adorn Shirama-tsu

What to expect

The festival lasts 3 days. The first day is called Yomiya or Yoimatsuri, the second Nakabi or Honmachi, and the third Atomachi or Okaeri.

On the second day, the Ohama-kudari procession takes the deity of Hie Shrine to a temporary shrine by the sea, followed by Oonawata-shi in the afternoon.

On the third day, the mikoshi returns to the shrine, and performances such as dances are dedicated at various locations.

How to take part

General visitors may observe.

Festival duties and performances offered in dedication are carried out by ujiko and local age groups, among others. In recent years, participants from outside the district have sometimes been recruited to make up for a shortage of people to carry them out.

Because the festival is held at long intervals and its dates may be adjusted, check the planned dates in advance if you wish to observe or participate.

If you wish to observe, check the dates and whether the events are taking place in advance before heading to the Shirama-tsu district.

Participants from outside the district may be recruited, but application procedures and recruitment periods vary each time the festival is held. Those wishing to participate should contact the Minamiboso City Board of Education or a similar office.

During shinji and performances offered in dedication, watch quietly so as not to disrupt the local proceedings.

Location and access

Venue and address

Held as a Hie Shrine festival in the Shirama-tsu area; the address is Shirama-tsu, Chikura-cho, Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture.

Train and bus

From Chikura Station on the JR Uchibo Line, take a taxi or bus toward the coast.

Address Shirama-tsu, Chikura-cho, Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture

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Dates and season

It is usually held once every 4 years, over 3 days in late July.

It was formerly held from day 14 of lunar month 6 to the 16th, but now it is generally held from July 23 to the 25th.

In recent years, dates have sometimes been adjusted to the days before or after, so you should check the specific dates of the next festival in advance.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The festival takes place by the sea, so if you visit in summer, it’s a good idea to prepare for the sun and bring water.

The events vary over the 3 days, and the schedule may shift, so check which day the dedication or Oonawata-shi you want to see will take place before setting out.

Please respect the religious ceremonies and local processions, and follow the guidance of staff and local residents.

Nearby attractions

Around Shirama-tsu, you can enjoy the scenery of Chikura’s coastline and the Boso Flower Line.

The Chikura area is known for its flowers, and flower fields spread across the area during the colder months.

Nearby attractions include Takabe Shrine, which enshrines the deity of cooking, and Nojimazaki Lighthouse, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the festival, they offer a chance to experience the coast and culture of Minamiboso.

Views and sceneryMinamiboso City

野島埼灯台

千葉県南房総市にある灯台

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写真：ガウス at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Shirama-tsu no Omachi (Grand Festival) Events

The Shirama-tsu Omachi has been passed down as a festival of Hie Shrine, the tutelary shrine of Shirama-tsu.

The festival dates have changed over time. It was once held from day 14 of lunar month 6 to the 16th, and is now generally held from July 23 to the 25th.

In 1992, the festival was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in recognition of practices including the nakadachi’s purification through abstinence, the division of roles by age and gender, and the divination of the year through Oonawata-shi.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties features the Shirama-tsu no Omachi (Grand Festival) events as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

The preservation organization is the Shirama-tsu Ward, which can provide information about the festival’s structure, the performances dedicated to the deities, and the Oonawata-shi.

For the specific dates and status of the upcoming festival, please check with the Minamiboso City Board of Education or another relevant source.

Shirama-tsu no Omachi (Grand Festival) Events at a Glance

The Shirama-tsu Omachi is a local grand festival that brings together the Hie Shrine festival, the Ohama-kudari procession to the shore, performances dedicated to the deities, and Oonawata-shi, in which 2 large banners are pulled.

Customs unique to Shirama-tsu, including the roles of 2 nakadachi and the duties assigned to different age groups, have been passed down through generations.

The festival is held once every 4 years, and its dates may be adjusted, so it’s important to check before visiting.