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This festival is held for the deity of Fuji Hachimangu Shrine who is believed to take a trip for two days and one night to a temporary lodging location on the other side of Hikosan River. The two portable shrines and eleven colorful Yamakasa decorations (floats that symbolize the festival) floating in the river are absolutely breathtaking. It is said that the because the portable shrines do not move without shishimai (lion dances), the lion dances are performed in various locations. The festival is designated by the prefecture as intangible folk-culture asset.

» TOPICS：Tagawa’s festivals are artistic!

Kagura is a traditional performance of sacred music and dance conducted by those who believe the deity appears in a seat which is prepared in order to enjoy meals with them.
Iwato Kagura is one of the Kaguras handed down from generation to generation in the Buzen area. The Buzen Kaguras, including Kasuga Shrine's Iwato Kagura are part of Japan's most important intangible folk-culture asset.
Iwato Kagura is dedicated to the deity on three separate occassions. The Jinkosai Festival in May, Nagoshisai Festival in July, and Kammachisai Festival in October. Kasuga Shrine is located at 6-13 Miyaomachi, Tagawa-shi.

» TOPICS：Tagawa’s festivals are artistic!

This is a puppet play originating in the late Edo period (1603 ‒ 1868). When people prayed for the eradication of an epidemic prevalent in the area, they had a revelation from Benzaiten (worshipped as the personification of wisdom) to dedicate a puppet play to please the children. Since then it has been dedicated annually on New Year's Day to pray for the eradication of plague.
The puppet play which is skillfully performed by three people lasts about 10 minutes. Don’t miss it!

The Tagawa Coal Mine Festival (Tanko-bushi Matsuri) is held here at the birthplace of Tanko Bushi (a Japanese folk song about coal mining). In 2018, the site including the Ita vertical shaft of Mitsui Tagawa Mining Station, was designated as a national historic site of the Chikuho Coalfield Ruins. The festival held on the first Sunday of November is enlivened by a mass Tanko-bushi dance. If you walk up the hill you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt.Kawaradake as well as the ground drawings of the two chimneys. You can take impressive photos from any angle! This park in Tagawa built on the original construction site is symbolized by the two chimneys and the Ita vertical shaft tower which represent the historical heritage of the site. They are registered as intangible cultural assets of Japan and are also considered assets of Japan’s industrial revolution during the Meiji period (1868 – 1912).

Learn more about the history of coal mining in Tagawa.