A Nichinan festival where a 7-meter figure modeled on a legendary giant leads the procession
The Yagoro Doll Event at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Annual festival on November 23
- Location
- Tanoue Hachiman
- Area
- Miyazaki Prefecture・Nichinan City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 40 min–2 h · 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
- Last updated
- 2026/11/13
At Tanoue Hachiman Jinja in Obi, Nichinan City, “Yagoro-sama,” modeled after a legendary giant, leads the festival procession. The figure is about 7 meters tall, with a distinctive appearance featuring a vermilion mask with a white beard and an eboshi hat.
About The Yagoro Doll Event at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja
The Yagoro Doll Event at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja is a festival tradition passed down in Itashiki, Obi, Nichinan City.
A giant figure about 7 meters tall, known as “Yagoro-sama,” is assembled and brought out to lead the festival procession.
The event takes place during the annual festival on November 23 and is also designated a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the appearance of “Yagoro-sama,” who stands about 7 meters tall.
The figure is assembled wearing a vermilion mask with a white beard and an eboshi hat, a vermilion robe and hakama, with a naginata at its waist and a spear in its right hand.
Having this giant figure serve as the lead in the festival procession is a distinctive feature of the event.
A Nichinan festival where a 7-meter figure modeled on a legendary giant leads the procession
What to expect
For the event, “Yagoro-sama” is first assembled with a vermilion mask and white beard, an eboshi hat, a vermilion robe, hakama, and other features.
A figure about 7 meters tall, with a naginata at its waist and a spear in its right hand, is brought out to lead the festival procession.
The event takes place during the annual festival on November 23.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Tanoue Hachiman Jinja (10-3-12 Obi, Nichinan City)
Address 10-3-12 Obi, Nichinan City
Dates and season
- Season
Annual festival on November 23
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 Miyazaki Prefecture / Nichinan City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
飫肥城歴史資料館
宮城県日南市にある資料館
鵜戸神宮
宮崎県日南市にある神社
Origins and History of The Yagoro Doll Event at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja
Yagoro-sama is the figure at the heart of a legend that a giant named Inazumi Yagoro carried the of Hachiman-sama here on his back.
A doll event connected to this legend has been passed down at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja.
The event was designated a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Heisei 3March 15.
Official information
Nichinan City website: “The Yagoro Doll Event at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja”
The Yagoro Doll Event at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja at a Glance
The Yagoro Doll Event at Tanoue Hachiman Jinja is a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property passed down in Obi, Nichinan City.
At the annual festival on November 23, the approximately 7-meter-tall “Yagoro-sama” appears and leads the festival procession.
Its appearance—with a vermilion mask and white beard, an eboshi hat, a vermilion robe, a naginata, and a spear—is a notable feature of this event, which tells the legend of Inazumi Yagoro.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/13
