The Shibafune and Doll Decorations of Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine

Festival highlights

One of the highlights is the Shibafune, lit by about 800 candles, slowly making its way through the Ushio and Kido districts.

At the end, the Shibafune passes through the torii gate and enters the grounds of Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine.

The Shibafune, glowing with candlelight, passing beneath the “Mikan Lantern” suspended in front of the torii is a dreamlike scene that has come to symbolize the festival.

A night festival in Ushio, where candlelit Shibafune pass beneath the Mikan Lantern

What to expect

At the festival, 2 Shibafune decorated with stages and figures are pulled through the Ushio and Kido districts.

During the nighttime procession, candles are lit and flutes and drums accompany the Shibafune.

After making its way through the district, the Shibafune finally passes through the torii gate and enters the grounds of Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine (Ushio, Higashikawate, Akashina, Azumino City)

Train and bus

Get off at Akashina Station on the JR Shinonoi Line; it is a 5-minute walk.

By car

It is a 20-minute drive from the Azumino IC on the Nagano Expressway.

Source: 安曇野の祭事・神社等 - 安曇野水物語 - 安曇野市公式ホームページ（文化課）

Address Ushio, Higashikawate, Akashina, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture

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Dates and season

Season

Every year May 4 and 5

Frequency

Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

At night, the Shibafune is pulled along with candles lit, creating a scene unlike the daytime.

The Shibafune is pulled through the district and finally enters Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine, so what you see depends on where you watch from.

As this event involves fire, follow guidance and instructions from local staff for your safety along the route and around the torii gate.

Nearby attractions

Temples and shrinesAzumino City

穂高神社

長野県安曇野市にある神社

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写真：663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Museums and art museumsAzumino City

貞享義民記念館

長野県安曇野市にある貞享騒動の記念館

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：HappyBD58 / Public domain

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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 The Shibafune and Doll Decorations of Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine

The origins of the Shibafune are believed to date back a long time, but Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine burned down in a fire during the Genroku period of the Edo era, and no records from before then remain.

The earliest clear historical record is the old document *Seki-ke Monjo*, dated Kansei 3 (1791). It confirms that a festival stage was being pulled around at that time.

There were times in the 1950s when a shortage of people to carry on the tradition made it difficult to organize, but today the Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine Festival Preservation Society safeguards and passes down the Shibafune and its doll decorations.

Official information

The Azumino City Culture Division’s official website introduces the Shibafune’s construction, procession, and history under “Shibafune of Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine (Ushio Shinmeigu no Shibafune).”

Azumino City’s “Festivals, Shrines, and Other Sites in Azumino” also provides the venue location and access information.

The Shibafune and Doll Decorations of Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine at a Glance

The Shibafune and Doll Decorations of Ushio Shinmeigu Shrine is a festival in Higashikawate, Akashina, Azumino City, featuring a boat-shaped dashi decorated with figures from historical tales and pulled through the district.

At night, about 800 candles light the Shibafune as it moves along to the sound of flutes and drums.

A major highlight is when it passes beneath the “Mikan Lantern” and enters the shrine.