Ōgaki Jūmangoku Matsuri

Overview

The Ogaki Jumangoku Matsuri is an autumn festival held annually in October in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture. It originated from the regular festival of Tokiwa Shrine, which enshrines the successive lords of the Ogaki domain, and is said to have begun around the early Taisho period (1910s) . Today, it is widely cherished by residents and tourists alike as a representative autumn tradition of Ogaki City.

This festival serves as an opportunity to experience the history and culture of the castle town of Ogaki, attracting approximately 70,000 visitors each year . The event takes place across multiple venues, primarily around Ogaki Station Street, as well as Tokiwa Shrine, Ogaki Castle Hall, Ogaki Park Josai Hiroba, and Honmachi Street . A diverse range of programs, including mikoshi processions, children's group parades, and firearms demonstrations, are held throughout the day.

History and Origin

The origin of the Ogaki Jumangoku Matsuri dates back to the regular festival of Tokiwa Shrine, which enshrines the successive lords of the Ogaki domain, a fief valued at 100,000 koku of rice . Tokiwa Shrine venerates the ancestral deity of the Toda family, who were the lords of the Ogaki domain, and its festival gradually developed into an event widely embraced by the local community. The festival's name, "Jumangoku," which means "100,000 koku," derives from the fact that the Ogaki domain was known as a 100,000-koku castle town .

Believed to have started around the early Taisho period, this festival experienced periods of interruption during its long history . In particular, the mikoshi procession was once discontinued for a time. However, in 1974 (Showa 49), the Ogaki City Youth Gathering Council led an effort to revive the mikoshi procession . This revival marked a new beginning for the event, rebranded as the "Jumangoku Furusato Matsuri."

The following year, in 1975 (Showa 50), a children's group parade was newly added to the festival . Since then, both the mikoshi procession and the parade have become core elements of the festival, evolving into its current form. Handmade children's mikoshi, powerful adult mikoshi, and corporate mikoshi all contribute to the festive atmosphere.

Today, the festival is counted among the three major festivals of Ogaki and continues to serve as an event praying for abundant harvests and regional prosperity, while also playing an important role as a tourist attraction . Every year, many tourists visit, and the festival has become a firmly established autumn tradition in the castle town of Ogaki.

Highlights

Children's Group Parade A splendid parade by local children's groups takes place over approximately one kilometer from Ogaki Castle Hall through Kaku-machi to Takaya-machi intersection . This parade, which began in 1975, holds significant meaning as it allows children to take center stage in the festival. Spectators line the streets, applauding the energetic performances of the young participants.

Ogaki Castle Firearms Squad Demonstration The Ogaki Castle Firearms Squad performs demonstrations with matchlock guns at the Shinhashi viewing area . This demonstration passes down the techniques of matchlock gun handling from the Sengoku period through the Edo period to the present day. The scent of gunpowder and the thunderous sounds echo through the venue, giving spectators a vivid sense of witnessing a moment in history.

Jumangoku Odori and Folk Dance Exchange Meeting The Jumangoku Odori and folk dance exchange meeting is held at the Nandemoya-mae area in Kaku-machi . This dance program allows local residents to participate together, and tourists are also welcome to join spontaneously. The sight of people of all ages dancing in circles symbolizes the warm and convivial atmosphere of the festival.

Jumangoku Furusato Matsuri (Mikoshi Procession) The main event of the festival features a procession of portable shrines, including mikoshi, corporate mikoshi, and children's mikoshi, parading through Ogaki Station Street . The carriers vigorously shout and sway the mikoshi as they advance, creating a spectacular scene. As approximately 70,000 spectators watch, the venue erupts in cheers each time a mikoshi passes by.

Yoro Tobi Ladder Climbing At the Shinhashi viewing area, the Yoro Tobi perform traditional ladder climbing acrobatics . This traditional performing art, inherited from the Edo period, captivates audiences with stunts performed atop ladders. Applause and exclamations of admiration rise from the crowd at the high-altitude feats.

Mochi Throwing at Tokiwa Shrine The mochi throwing event at Tokiwa Shrine is a popular program that concludes the festival . Many people gather in the shrine grounds, reaching out their hands to catch the thrown rice cakes. This tradition, praying for regional prosperity and protection from illness and disaster, creates the climax of the festival.

Event Information and Access

1. Date: A Sunday in mid-October each year (please check the official website for the latest schedule)
2. Time: From 9:20 a.m. to approximately 3:45 p.m.
3. Venues: Ogaki Station Street area, Tokiwa Shrine, Ogaki Castle Hall, Ogaki Park Josai Hiroba, Honmachi Street
4. Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the south exit of JR Ogaki Station
5. Parking: No free parking is available near the venues. Use of paid parking lots or public transportation is recommended
6. Contact: Jumangoku Matsuri Executive Committee (Phone: 0584-77-1535)
7. Traffic Regulations: Road closures will be in effect on some sections on the day of the event. Closure times vary by location, so caution is advised
8. Latest Information: Please check the official Ogaki City website or the Ogaki / West Mino Tourism Portal for the most up-to-date schedule and event status

Surrounding Area Information

Around Ogaki Station, numerous tourist spots characteristic of a castle town are scattered throughout the area. Ogaki Castle is located in the city center, and from its keep, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The "Oku no Hosokichi Musubi no Chi Kinenkan" (Memorial Hall of the Conclusion of the Narrow Road to the Deep North) is known as the place where Matsuo Basho ended his journey in "Oku no Hosokichi" (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), making it a must-visit for literature fans .

Ogaki City, known as the "City of Water," boasts abundant spots suitable for strolling, such as the Ogaki Funamachi River Port (a nationally designated scenic spot) and the historic sake brewery Miwa Shuzo . The Funamachi River Port once flourished as a key transportation hub for riverboats, and it still retains its historical atmosphere today. At Masu Kobo Masuya, visitors can also experience making traditional wooden measuring cups.

Numerous restaurants are located in the surrounding area, and on festival day, many food stalls are set up. Visitors can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and Ogaki's specialty, "mizumanju" (water dumplings). By visiting these spots between enjoying the festival, one can gain a deeper appreciation of Ogaki's history and culture.

Related Information

1. Ogaki Matsuri: Another autumn festival held in Ogaki City, counted among the three major festivals of Ogaki alongside the Jumangoku Matsuri
2. Tokiwa Shrine: A shrine enshrining the successive lords of the 100,000-koku Ogaki domain, where the regular festival that originated the Jumangoku Matsuri is held
3. Ogaki Castle Firearms Squad: A group that performs matchlock gun demonstrations, showcasing traditional techniques at the festival
4. Yoro Tobi: A group that preserves the traditional ladder climbing performing art, passing down techniques from the Edo period to the present
5. Ogaki / West Mino Tourism Portal: The official website providing detailed festival information and surrounding tourist information
6. Ogaki City Official Website: Publishes feature articles and the latest information on the Jumangoku Matsuri
7. Ogaki City Youth Gathering Council: The organization that revived the mikoshi procession in 1974
8. Jumangoku Odori: A local folk dance performed at the festival; participants are welcomed at the folk dance exchange meeting

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