Centuries old festivals can be seen throughout Shizuoka in Autumn.
SHIZUOKA AUTUMN FESTIVALS TO EXPERIENCE
Japanese people love festivals – from fireworks and dancing in Summer, cherry blossom festivals to celebrate Spring and new beginnings through to Winter fire festivals there is a festival for every season and every occasion.
In the autumn months, Shizuoka comes alive with a vibrant array of festivals.
Japanese festivals have evolved to become a way for local communities to come together and strengthen local bonds and relationships.
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Hamamatsu Station Area
AKIHA SHRINE FIRE FESTIVAL
On December 15th and 16th every year the Hongu Akiha Shrine in the Tenryu Area of Hamamatsu, known as a shrine that enshrines the God of Fire Prevention, celebrates the Fire Festival on Mt. Akiha.
The mountainous area around Tenryuji is susceptible to forest fire, and ancestors witnessed the terrifying power of fire.
It is said that the festival that dates back to the 8th Century Nara Period. The priests of the shrine perform dances with fire, sword and bow, to to burn away natural disasters and other forms of sickness.
Kakegawa Station Area
KAKEGAWA GRAND FESTIVAL – GIANT LION FLOAT
The Enshu area of Shizuoka (Hamamatsu & Kakegawa areas) is famous for its use of ‘Yatai’ floats which are, in essence, elaborately decorated portable shrines with wheels that are pulled through the town.
In early October, the Kakegawa Omatsuri (Grand Festival) sees many of the locals pulling Yatai floats through this lovely castle town.
Once every 3 years, a giant lion that weighs 220kg, the largest of its kind in Japan, is carried by hundreds of people dancing through the town.
It is due to make another appearance in October 2027.
Shizuoka Station Area
SHIMADA OBI FESTIVAL
The Shimada Obi Festival only happens every 3 years in October – with the next one scheduled for 2025.
It is said that this festival has been held since 1695, consists of a procession of decorative floats, drummers, dancers and many others wearing traditional robes and carrying elaborate obi (traditional sash belts worn with kimono).
The festival is a ceremonial event of Oi Shrine, which is revered as the protector of the Oi River and a deity of safe childbirth.
FUJIEDA GRAND FESTIVAL
Held every three years in Fujieda, Shizuoka, the Fujieda Omatsuri (Grand Festival) is a vibrant event rooted in Edo-period traditions. The festival now spans three days in early October.
Local communities parade beautifully crafted floats with live performances of traditional arts, such as music and the graceful “jiodori” street dance. The festival is said to be the best in Japan in terms of both its scale and quality among festivals of this kind.
The next festival is scheduled for October 2025.
Shin-Fuji Station Area
FUJINOMIYA FESTIVAL
People have been flocking to Fujinomiya for centuries to pay homage to Mt. Fuji and throughout the year there are a number of festivals held with the majestic mountain as a backdrop.
The Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine which is found in the center of Fujinomiya Town, is the head shrine of about 1,300 Sengen shrines located throughout Japan.
The Fujinomiya Festival takes place annually from November 3rd to 5th, coinciding with the autumn festival of the Sengen Taisha Shrine.
To show respect to Mt. Fuji and appreciation for an Autumn harvest the locals parade elaborately decorated floats through town and compete to make the most noise and get as close as possible to collide with each other.
