Overview
Reitaisai, Annual Major Festival, is the most important event for the shrine, so various rituals and events are held during the 3-day festival.
Following Hamaori Shiki, the ritual of purification, performed by Shinto priests at Yuigahama beach on 14th, the rituals include Yaotome no Mai(the dance of eight shrine maidens) or Shinkou sai( Shinkou Festival) are held on 15th. In Shinkou sai, the100-meter long parade line led by the three mikoshis ( portable shrines ) carried by the groups of local people and proceed to Torii gate.On 16th, the festival reaches its climax with Yabusame, a type of mounted archery in traditional Japanese archery.
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History
The Azuma Kagami, Japanese historical chronicle about events of the Kamakura Shogunate from 1180 to 1266, records the first Annual Major Festival of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu held on August 15th,1187.
Religious Background
Shintou
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Date
September 14th to 16th
Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Location
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture