Autumn Festivals in Miyazaki: Experience History and Culture

The festival also includes a pre-event celebration with numerous food stalls lined up.

Visitors can enjoy performances of traditional Japanese taiko drums and kagura dances.

There are also exciting events like a tuna cutting show and food free distribution.

At the "Jinmu-sama," the parade of portable shrines (mikoshi) is a highlight.
The mikoshi departs from Miyazaki Shrine and makes its way through various stops before returning to the shrine, creating a procession that stretches for several kilometers.

Participants include shrine priests on horseback, people carrying the mikoshi, and children dressed in colorful costumes, all coming together to recreate the historical journey of Emperor Jinmu.

The "shishi" lion dance is performed to purify the path.

It is believed that receiving the dance brings health and good fortune.
It is also thought that allowing the shishi to bite you will bring happiness.

The "Okiyomaru" represents the ship that Emperor Jinmu took when leaving Kyushu.

The mounted archers, dressed in Kamakura period attire, proceed bravely down the path.

The children’s parade features youngsters dressed in matching costumes, symbolizing their purification and the blessings of the gods.

Amaterasu Omikami, the sun deity from Japanese mythology.

You can also enjoy local performances such as the "Hyottoko Dance" and the Aoshima Usutaiko Dance from Hyuga City.

This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Miyazaki, so be sure to enjoy "Jimmu-sama."

In addition to "Jimmu-sama," many other autumn festivals are celebrated throughout Miyazaki Prefecture, each with its own distinct characteristics.

For instance, the "Saito Hara Kofun Festival," held in Saito City, allows visitors to reflect on the Jomon and Yayoi periods.
The festival is memorable for its processions of people dressed in ancient costumes and the spectacular display of large torches lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere that immerses visitors in ancient times.

In Takahane Town, the "Takanabe Castle Lantern Festival" takes place, where approximately 8,000 stone and bamboo lanterns are lit simultaneously at the site of Takanabe Castle, creating a fantastical scene.
This festival expresses Takanabe’s pride in its historical significance and promotes the teachings of the "Way of Humanity," established by the beloved lord, Akiyuki Tanemori, in the Meirin-do school, which embodies "spiritual culture." It is held every October.

Autumn in Miyazaki is the perfect season to experience history and culture through these festivals.
By participating in these events, where tradition and local customs unite, visitors can deeply feel Japan's rich history and the cultural diversity of Miyazaki.
Enjoy the festivals this autumn that allow you to experience history and culture alongside the local community.