Hōrai Matsuri

Overview

The Horai Matsuri is an annual traditional festival held on the first Saturday and Sunday of October in the Tsurugi district of Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is the autumn grand festival of Kinkengu Shrine, with origins said to date back over 800 years【ja.wikipedia.org】【ishikawa-ouen.com】. The festival is dedicated to prayers for bountiful harvests and also commemorates the triumphant return of the only shrine palanquin (mikoshi) that survived the so-called Hakusan Incident, a historical conflict【ja.wikipedia.org】.

The name Horai Matsuri is believed to derive from the shouts of "Yo-ho-rai" that participants call out as they carry the mikoshi and the large dolls known as tsukurimono through the streets【ishikawa-ouen.com】. The festival features a grand procession (mikoshi togyo) accompanied by towering tsukurimono dolls and a lion dance (shishimai), which are all offered as part of the Shinto rite. This event is deeply cherished as an autumn tradition in the region and is recognized as a significant cultural asset of Ishikawa Prefecture【ja.wikipedia.org】. Currently designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Hakusan City, the festival is upheld through the dedicated collaboration of local residents and youth groups【hokkoku.co.jp】.

History and Origins

The origins of this festival are said to be over 800 years old, tied to the autumn grand festival of Kinkengu Shrine【ja.wikipedia.org】【ishikawa-ouen.com】. According to local tradition, the festival's prototype was a ritual in which a deity from Mount Haku descended among the people to bless them with a rich harvest. Another popular theory links its beginning to the Hakusan Incident, a warring states period conflict, in which only one of the shrine's mikoshi managed to return safely. The festival was purportedly established to celebrate this return and to express gratitude for its safe arrival【ja.wikipedia.org】.

Through its long history, the festival has undergone several transformations, but its core elements—the mikoshi procession, the tsukurimono, and the lion dance—have been faithfully preserved. In the 1970s, local chambers of commerce and other organizations proposed promoting the festival as a tourist attraction, leading to the larger-scale event seen today【ja.wikipedia.org】. Originally held on October 3rd and 4th following the main festival on October 2nd, the schedule later shifted to the first weekend of October【ja.wikipedia.org】.

By 1999 (Heisei 11), declining participation had become a significant concern, but local initiatives and renewed interest among younger generations have helped sustain the tradition【ja.wikipedia.org】. Today, the festival is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Hakusan City, serving as a vital symbol of the local community's identity. This history of overcoming challenges is a source of great pride for the residents.

Highlights

The Mikoshi Procession (Mikoshi Togyo) The mikoshi procession is the central event of the festival, where the palanquin departs from Kinkengu Shrine and visits various purification sites (oharai-sho) within the Tsurugi district. Traditionally, the mikoshi is carried by men in white garments called shiroba, who are in their auspiciously unlucky years (yakudoshi). Their vigorous bearing is a striking sight【ja.wikipedia.org】. In the two-day procession, men in their "pre-unlucky year" carry the mikoshi on the first day, while those in their "post-unlucky year" take over on the second day, traveling through different designated routes. This system represents a form of community service by those at a significant stage of life, perpetuating a tradition of local dedication. The powerful image of the white-clad men carrying the heavy mikoshi rhythmically through the narrow streets creates a scene of solemnity and intense energy.

The Tsukurimono (Giant Dolls) The tsukurimono are massive dolls, about 5 meters in height, depicting historical warriors, kabuki characters, and other themes, crafted over one to two months by youth groups from each neighborhood association【ja.wikipedia.org】【hokkoku.co.jp】. Seasonal vegetables and harvested crops are artfully incorporated into the dolls' kimono patterns, symbolizing gratitude and prayers for a bountiful harvest【japan47go.travel】. The sight of the bearers shouting "Yo-ho-rai" as they carry these massive creations is truly breathtaking. In the latest festival, six dolls featuring themes such as "Abe no Seimei," "Akechi Mitsuhide," "The Great Shogun," "Kongorikishi A-gyo," "Fox Spirit Dakki," and "Takenaka Hanbei Shigeharu" were presented【hokkoku.co.jp】. This spectacle serves as a vibrant expression of the community's artistic skill and dedication to the year's harvest.

The Lion Dance (Shishimai) The festival's lion dance is a unique style derived from the Kaga Shishi (Kaga lion dance tradition) and is also known as "bofuri" (stick-wielding)【japan47go.travel】. The lion dancers (shishikata) perform to drive away evil spirits, and their routine involves a swordsman defeating the lion to pray for the removal of all misfortunes【ja.wikipedia.org】. This lion dance accompanies the mikoshi and tsukurimono in the grand procession, adding a layer of festive brilliance and dignity to the entire event. The dynamic performance of the lion dance is a staple that audiences eagerly anticipate each year.

The Shiroba Attire and Role The shiroba warriors wear pure white costumes while carrying the mikoshi around the town. This white attire symbolizes sacredness and purity, and for men in their yakudoshi, it also signifies the purification and removal of their year's bad luck【ja.wikipedia.org】. The tradition of changing bearers between the first and second days embodies the spirit of the entire community working together to support the festival. The stark white of their garments against the backdrop of the old town creates a visually powerful and ceremonial atmosphere.

The Otokodan and Onnadan Stone Steps Within the grounds of Kinkengu Shrine, there are two steep stone staircases called "Otokodan" (men's steps) and "Onnadan" (women's steps). On the first day, the mikoshi is carried down the Otokodan with great vigor, and on the second day, it is carried back up the Onnadan to return to the shrine【ja.wikipedia.org】. This journey up and down the steps is a major highlight of the festival. The powerful act of carrying the heavy mikoshi up and down these steep steps is a display of strength and skill that captivates the audience.

The Festival Song (Horai Bushi) Participants in the procession sing a unique festival song accompanied by the "Yo-ho-rai" call. This song is an iconic soundscape of the festival, having been passed down through generations in the region【ishikawa-ouen.com】. The song and shouts combine to create an atmosphere of elation and transmit the weight of tradition to visitors. The sound of the Horai Bushi echoing through the streets is an inseparable part of the festival experience.

Access and Event Information

1. Name: Horai Matsuri (Kinkengu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival)
2. Dates: Scheduled for October 4th (Sat) and 5th (Sun), 2025 (First weekend of October every year)【ishikawa-ouen.com】
3. Venue: Tsurugi District, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture (Main venue: Kinkengu Shrine, 〒920-2123 Ishikawa-ken Hakusan-shi Tsurugi Hizume-machi Mi 118)【ishikawa-ouen.com】
4. Access (Public Transport): Approximately 13 minutes on foot from "Tsurugi Station" on the Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line【ishikawa-ouen.com】
5. Access (Car): Approximately 35 minutes from Kanazawa Station. Approximately 30 minutes from "Hakusan IC" on the Hokuriku Expressway【japan47go.travel】
6. Inquiries: Tsurugi Autumn Festival Executive Committee (TEL. 076-273-1212)【ishikawa-ouen.com】
7. Parking: None (Use of public transport is recommended)【ishikawa-ouen.com】
8. Official Website: https://www.urara-hakusanbito.com/festival/detail_1004.html【ishikawa-ouen.com】

Please check the official website for the latest schedule and any changes to the event.

Nearby Information

The Tsurugi district of Hakusan City is an area rich in historical townscape. During the festival, a free rest area called "Yokomachi Urakura Hall" is open, where local high school students provide information about the festival's origins and the townscape of Tsurugi【hokkoku.co.jp】. This gives visitors a chance to enjoy not only the festival but also a walk through the historic streets, fostering a welcoming atmosphere from the entire community.

Furthermore, after the festival, the tsukurimono dolls are displayed at the "Tsukurimono no Yakata" (Doll House) located within Park Shishiku in Hachiman-machi, Hakusan City (with closures during winter and the preparation period starting mid-August)【ja.wikipedia.org】. Since the exhibition is free, it is an excellent spot for visitors who wish to relive the excitement of the festival. They can closely examine the intricate details and craftsmanship of the dolls, which are crafted with different themes each year.

The Tsurugi area, home to the terminal station of the Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line, also features historic shops and restaurants. During the festival period, many of these establishments offer special menus and goods, allowing visitors to enjoy local flavors. The area is well-served by public transport, making it accessible even for those without a car.

Related Information

1. Kinkengu Shrine: The shrine that hosts this festival, located in Tsurugi Hizume-machi, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It has long been a center of local faith, holding this festival in gratitude for the autumn harvest【ja.wikipedia.org】.
2. Tsukurimono no Yakata (Doll House): A facility within Park Shishiku that displays the tsukurimono dolls used in the festival. It stores dolls from each year, allowing visitors to observe details and techniques【ja.wikipedia.org】.
3. Hakusan Incident: A historical event whose folklore about the return of a mikoshi is one of the festival's origins. The festival celebrates the triumphant return of the only surviving palanquin【ja.wikipedia.org】.
4. Shishikata (Lion Dance Performers): The performers of the lion dance in the festival procession, responsible for driving away evil spirits. They are also referred to as "bofuri"【ja.wikipedia.org】.
5. Shiroba: Men in white garments who carry the mikoshi. They are in their yakudoshi (unlucky years), with a distinction between pre-unlucky and post-unlucky years, changing roles over the two-day event【ja.wikipedia.org】.
6. Kaga Shishi: The style of lion dance performed at this festival. It is a traditional form from Ishikawa Prefecture with unique routines and movements distinct from other regional lion dances【japan47go.travel】.
7. Tsurugi District: A historic central area of Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, served by the Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line. It is known for its preserved townscape and numerous traditional events【hokkoku.co.jp】.
8. Tsurugi Autumn Festival Executive Committee: The local organization responsible for managing this festival. It serves as a contact point for information and coordinates the event【ishikawa-ouen.com】.

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