Takimiya no Nenbutsu Odori

Festival highlights

Centered on the Shichi holding a large fan aloft, the sounds of drums, gongs, tsuzumi drums, flutes, and conch shells come together as the dance is performed to nenbutsu chanting and festival music.

In 2026, the Kitamura, Ono, and Hanyūshita groups performed, presenting roles and implements passed down by each group, including naginata, armor, large umbrellas, and drums.

Look out, too, for gongs said to have been made in the Edo period and fans depicting the sun and moon.

Ayagawa Town’s devotional nenbutsu dance, brought to life by large fans and festival music

What to expect

During the dedication, each participant role forms a line and performs along the route before proceeding into the shrine.

After that, the Shichi signals for the large fans to be waved, and the dance is performed to nenbutsu chanting and festival music as the Ganjōjuyaku calls out.

According to information from Kagawa Prefecture, each niwa lasts about 15 minutes, and multiple niwa are usually dedicated at both Takimiya Shrine and Takimiya Tenmangu Shrine.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

Takimiya Shrine and Takimiya Tenmangu Shrine (Ayauta District, Kagawa Prefecture)

Train and bus

5 minutes on foot from Kotoden Takimiya Station.

By car

Parking is available at Ayagawa Town Hall or the former Takimiya Nursery School.

Takimiya Tenmangu Shrine’s parking lot cannot be used.

Parking

Please use the parking lots at Ayagawa Town Hall or the former Takimiya Nursery School.

Traffic restrictions will be in place.

Event venue 香川県綾川町 滝宮神社

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, it was dedicated on August 23 (Sunday).

The schedule was to enter the grounds at Takimiya Shrine at around 8 a.m., perform the dance at around 8:30 a.m., then enter the grounds at Takimiya Tenmangu Shrine at around 10:45 a.m. and dedicate the dance.

The schedule noted that times could vary depending on preparations and that, in case of rain, the event would be held at the Ryōnan Rural Environment Improvement Center.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

If taking photos, be considerate of those around you and take turns. When posting photos where they may be seen by an unspecified number of people, such as on social media, please respect people’s portrait rights.

You may be asked to move as the event progresses, so please follow the staff’s instructions.

In 2026, traffic restrictions were also in place, and Takimiya Tenmangu Shrine’s parking lot could not be used.

Origins and History of Takimiya no Nenbutsu Odori

According to tradition, the dance began when residents, overjoyed after a prayer for rain was answered during the time Sugawara no Michizane served as provincial governor here, celebrated by dancing.

Another tradition says that people began chanting nenbutsu to comfort Michizane’s restless spirit.

Traditions associated with the great drought of Ninna 4 remain, as does the account that the priest Hōnen later choreographed the nenbutsu dance. These traditions have been passed down to the dance performed today.

Source: 滝宮念仏踊保存会｜文化芸術団体・個人｜かがわアートナビ

Official information

Event information is provided by Ayagawa Town.

Explanations of its cultural heritage status can also be found in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties and on the website of the Kagawa Prefectural Museum.

Takimiya no Nenbutsu Odori at a Glance

Takimiya no Nenbutsu Odori is a traditional nenbutsu dance dedicated at Takimiya Shrine and Takimiya Tenmangu Shrine as a prayer for rain and an abundant harvest.

The dance is performed to the chanting of nenbutsu and the sounds of drums, gongs, flutes, and conch shells, led by the Shichi carrying a large fan.

In 2026, it was dedicated on August 23, and visitors could see the roles and implements passed down in the community at the venue, a 5-minute walk from Takimiya Station.