A traditional Konosu event in which arrows are shot at a snake’s-eye target to pray for a good harvest and good fortune
Takimuro Mato Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year on January 12 / Every year
- Location
- Takimuro Hikawa Shrine
- Area
- Saitama Prefecture・Konosu City(From Tokyo: approx. 30 min–1 h · 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.
- Wishes behind the festival
- Age restrictions
- Children turning 12
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Takimuro Mato Festival is a traditional archery event passed down at Takimuro Hikawa Shrine. Arrows are shot at a target modeled on a snake’s eye to pray for bountiful harvests, good fortune, and protection from misfortune. As a associated with the tale of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro’s defeat of a giant serpent, it carries the area’s history and hopes into the present.
About Takimuro Mato Festival
An event held every year at Takimuro Hikawa Shrine, in which archers shoot at a target modeled on a snake’s eye.
It is passed down locally as a shinji following the tale of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro’s defeat of a giant serpent.
Arrows are shot at the target to pray for bountiful harvests, good fortune, and protection from misfortune.
A historic event also registered as a Konosu City-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Source: イベントカレンダー - 観光イベント - 鴻巣市公式ホームページ（商工観光課） / 【鴻巣市】滝馬室氷川神社で伝統行事「滝馬室的祭」が1月12日に開催。五穀豊穣と招福息災を祈願します。 | 号外NET 鴻巣市・北本市
Festival highlights
A highlight is the moment arrows are shot at a target modeled on a snake’s eye.
At Mato Festival, children who have reached the age of 12 serve as archers and shoot at the target.
It is said that the more arrows hit the target, the better the harvest will be that year, and prayers are expressed through the results of the archery.
This event brings together local traditions and offerings made by children.
A traditional Konosu event in which arrows are shot at a snake’s-eye target to pray for a good harvest and good fortune
What to expect
During the event, arrows are shot at a target depicting a snake’s eye.
The archers are children who have reached the age of 12, and the sight of arrows hitting the target is a way of praying for bountiful harvests, good fortune, and protection from misfortune.
The legend of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro’s defeat of a giant serpent has been passed down in the form of this present-day event.
When watching, it is important to observe quietly without disrupting the shinji.
How to take part
At the event, children turning 12 shoot arrows at a target.
Check the event information to find out whether general visitors can take part in the same role.
Even when visiting as a spectator, please take care not to disrupt the event or interfere with the organizers' instructions.
At Matoi-sai, children turning 12 take part and shoot arrows at a target modeled on a snake's eye.
It is said that many arrows hitting the target will lead to a good harvest that year.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Takimuro Hikawa Shrine (1151 Takimuro, Konosu, Saitama)
Address 1151 Takimuro, Konosu, Saitama
Dates and season
- Season
Every year on January 12
- Frequency
Every year
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 Saitama Prefecture / Konosu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The venue is Takimuro Hikawa Shrine.
Haramuro Hikawa Shrine is also nearby, so check the shrine's name when you visit and make your way to Takimuro Hikawa Shrine.
Since children shoot arrows at the event, follow the organizers' instructions when watching and view it from the designated area.
Origins and History of Takimuro Mato Festival
Takimuro Mato Festival is said to originate from a legend that Sakanoue no Tamuramaro defeated a giant serpent during the Enryaku era (782–805).
Following that tale, the event continues as an occasion for shooting arrows at a target modeled on a snake’s eye.
It is now registered as a Konosu City-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property and is locally known as “Mato-sai.”
Official information
The Konosu City official website’s event calendar lists the date of Mato Festival each year as January 12, and identifies Takimuro Hikawa Shrine as the venue.
A phone number for the Konosu City Lifelong Learning Division is also listed as a contact.
The planned 2026 event was also announced in local news.
Takimuro Mato Festival at a Glance
Takimuro Mato Festival is a traditional event held every year on January 12 at Takimuro Hikawa Shrine.
Children who have reached the age of 12 shoot arrows at a target modeled on a snake’s eye to pray for bountiful harvests, good fortune, and protection from misfortune.
This shinji is associated with the legend of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro’s defeat of a giant serpent and is also registered as a Konosu City-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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