A summer reisai where azuki bōtō lives on alongside the straw figure and Dondon Fire
Wakamiko Hōtō Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year on July 30 (publicly listed date at the time of designation) / Every year
- Location
- Miwa (Wakamiko district)
- Area
- Yamanashi Prefecture・Hokuto City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 30 min–2 h · limited express)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
- 2026/11/11
The Wakamiko Hōtō Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property associated with Miwa Jinja’s summer . The festival is shaped by the -harai that sends off a large straw figure, the “Dondon Fire” rite for sending off insects, and azuki bōtō, the ceremonial dish.
About Wakamiko Hōtō Festival
The Wakamiko Hōtō Festival is held during the summer reisai at Miwa Jinja in the Wakamiko district of former Sutama Town, former Kitakoma District.
It consists of a misogi-harai in which impurities are entrusted to a large straw figure and sent away, and a fire-lighting rite for sending off insects, called “Dondon Fire.”
The festival takes its name from the preparation of azuki bōtō as a ceremonial dish for the reisai.
In 2004, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as preparing a record should be taken.
Festival highlights
Highlights include a misogi-harai rite in which a large straw figure carrying away impurities is sent off, and a fire-lighting rite called “Dondon Fire,” held as part of mushi-okuri (sending off insects).
The rites involving a figure and a fire make up Miwa Jinja’s summer reisai.
Azuki bōtō, preserved in the festival’s name, is prepared as a ceremonial dish for the reisai.
The different elements of the straw figure, the fire-lighting rite, and the ceremonial dish together shape the festival’s character.
A summer reisai where azuki bōtō lives on alongside the straw figure and Dondon Fire
What to expect
Two rites are held in conjunction with Miwa Jinja’s summer reisai.
One rite is a misogi-harai in which impurities are entrusted to a large straw figure and sent away.
The other is a fire-lighting rite for sending off insects, called “Dondon Fire.”
In addition, azuki bōtō is prepared as a ceremonial dish for the reisai, and is the source of the festival’s name.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Miwa Jinja in the Wakamiko district
Event venue 山梨県北杜市 三輪神社
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
Every year on July 30 (publicly listed date at the time of designation)
- 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 Yamanashi Prefecture / Hokuto City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
北杜市オオムラサキセンター
山梨県北杜市長坂町にある昆虫館
北杜市考古資料館
山梨県北杜市にある資料館
山梨県立フラワーセンター ハイジの村
山梨県北杜市にあるテーマパーク
平山郁夫シルクロード美術館
山梨県北杜市にある美術館
清春白樺美術館
山梨県北杜市にある美術館
清里ポーセリンミュージアム
山梨県北杜市にある、マイセン磁器コレクションを展示する美術館
Origins and History of Wakamiko Hōtō Festival
The Wakamiko Hōtō Festival is an event held during the summer reisai at Miwa Jinja in the Wakamiko district of former Sutama Town, former Kitakoma District.
According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ explanation, the festival consists of the misogi-harai, the fire-lighting rite for sending off insects, and the ceremonial dish azuki bōtō.
On February 16, 2004, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property and classified as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as preparing a record should be taken.
Official information
The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Cultural Heritage Online” provides an overview of the Wakamiko Hōtō Festival, its preservation group, public date, and events.
Wakamiko Hōtō Festival at a Glance
The Wakamiko Hōtō Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property associated with Miwa Jinja’s summer reisai.
Its distinctive features are a misogi-harai in which impurities are entrusted to a large straw figure and sent away, and the “Dondon Fire” rite for sending off insects.
The festival takes its name from azuki bōtō, prepared as a ceremonial dish for the reisai. In 2004, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as preparing a record should be taken.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/11
