Overview
The Atsuta Matsuri at the Atsuta Jingu Shrine is one of the major festivals held in Central Japan include the city of Nagoya which is Japan’s third-largest incorporated city and the fourth-most-populous urban area.
In the shrine’s main sanctuary, religious rites are performed by the high priests while, within the greater compound, portable shrines called mikoshi are carried, a martial arts contest is conducted, and performances by street entertainers are held.
In the evening, vendors with paper lanterns on their wagons line the streets, and fireworks are set off in the sky.
Video
History
Atsuta Shrine is regarded as one of Japan’s most sacred shrines behind only Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture. It founded during the reign of Emperor Keikō (71-130) to house the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, a legendary sword.
Yamato Takeru died in the 43rd year of his father, Emperor Keiko’s reign. The possessions of the dead prince were gathered together along with the sword Kusanagi, and his widow venerated his memory in a shrine at her home.
Sometime later, these relics and the sacred sword were moved to the current location of the Atsuta Shrine.
Religious Background
Shintou
Image
Date
June 5th
Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Location
Atsuta-ku, Nagoya-city, Japan
More information
https://blog.gaijinpot.com/festivals-of-japan-atsuta-matsuri/