Yoshiwara Gion-sai

Overview

The Yoshiwara Gion Festival is a traditional event held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of June in the Yoshiwara district of Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Locally affectionately known as "Oten no San" (Mr. Heavenly King), this festival is a large-scale ritual jointly conducted by six shrines. The participating communities consist of 24 neighborhoods under the patronage of six shrines: Tenjinsha, Kinomoto Jinja, Yasaka Jinja, Hachimangu, Yamasha Jinja, and Wada Hachimangu, featuring 21 elaborately decorated floats paraded through the streets and portable shrines carried by each shrine's parishioners.

This festival is also known as "the greatest Gion festival in the Tokai region," and its scale and power are unparalleled. The Yoshiwara area originally flourished as a post town on the Tokaido road, and the festival deeply reflects its history and culture. On both days, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the section from Yoshiwara Chuo Station to Ichikawa Tobacco Shop becomes a pedestrian paradise, and along the approximately one-kilometer-long Yoshiwara shopping street, over 200 food and game stalls line up.

History and Origins

The origin of the Yoshiwara Gion Festival is said to lie in the "Gion Goryo-e," a ritual that began in the Heian period in Kyoto to appease epidemics. However, a distinctive feature is that this festival is not a direct transmission of Kyoto's Gion Festival but rather developed uniquely in Yoshiwara as a post town, blending festival cultures from various regions. The original purpose of praying for the expulsion of evil spirits and epidemics has been passed down to the present day, and the festival continues to be cherished as a prayer for good health and safety.

The parade of floats is said to have begun during the Edo period, according to one account in the third year of the Manji era (1660). According to one account, a master of a toiya (wholesale or forwarding agency) made a vow to the Tenjin deity to accomplish a difficult task, and after his wish was granted, he donated a shrine hall as thanks. During a Tenjin festival, residents of Yoda Bridge attached wheels to a boat and paraded it around, which is considered the beginning of the float tradition. Counting from this event, the traditional festival has a history of over 350 years.

The reason the name "Gion Festival" is used is that the prayer for epidemic expulsion at the core of the festival is common with Kyoto's Gion Festival. Additionally, because the enshrined deities of the six shrines are "Tenjin" or "Heavenly Kings," the festival came to be locally called "Oten no San". This nickname has taken deep root in the region and is still widely used today.

During the Edo period, Yoshiwara was an important hub as a post town on the Tokaido road, bustling with many travelers and goods. The character of the town, centered around lodging facilities such as honjin, waki-honjin, and hatago, as well as toiya (forwarding agencies) handling relay transport, is thought to have greatly influenced the development of the festival. Even today, participating neighborhoods use their old town names, preserving the atmosphere of the past.

Highlights

Kiyari Dōchū and Hashigo Nori (Ladder Climbing) From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the first day, the Kiyari Dōchū and ladder climbing performances are held on Yoshiwara Honmachi Street. This is a traditional performing art dating back to the Edo period, encapsulating the spirit and skill of the craftsmen. The acrobatic feats performed atop a high ladder overwhelm the audience and colorfully announce the start of the festival.

Parade of 21 Floats Each neighborhood parades its elaborately decorated 21 floats through the streets of Yoshiwara. The competition among the floats is especially impressive at night, taking place at three locations on Yoshiwara Honmachi Street from 8:15 PM to 8:50 PM. The sight of all the floats gathering is magnificent, allowing one to truly understand why it is called the greatest Gion festival in the Tokai region.

Three-Shrine Fighting Mikoshi (Kenka Mikoshi) Around 3:00 PM on the second day, the fierce "fighting mikoshi" is presented. Because this portable shrine enshrines the wild deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, it is characterized by being carried roughly and sometimes bumped against other mikoshi. The act of violently shaking the mikoshi at intersections and town boundaries holds the important meaning of warding off and exorcising calamities.

Miya Taiko (Shrine Drum) Competition From 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a competition of shrine drums is held at various locations on Yoshiwara Honmachi Street. The drumbeats pounded by each neighborhood play a role in further elevating the festive excitement. The powerful rhythm resonates throughout the town, bringing the spectators' excitement to its peak.

Female Mikoshi (Me-mikoshi) From 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM on the second day, a female mikoshi parades from near Gakunan Honmachi Station to Yoshiwara Honmachi Street. This portable shrine, carried by women, exudes a unique presence that is both elegant and powerful. It symbolizes that the festival is supported by the entire community, not just men.

Six-Shrine Goshuin (Red Seal Stamp) Pilgrimage From 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM on the first day (while supplies last), a six-shrine goshuin stamp pilgrimage can be enjoyed. Original Yoshiwara Gion Festival goshuin stamps are issued at each of the six shrines: Tenjinsha, Kinomoto Jinja, Yasaka Jinja, Hachimangu, Yamasha Jinja, and Wada Hachimangu. Many visitors tour each shrine to obtain these limited-edition items only available on this occasion.

Event Information and Access

1. Dates and Times: Held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of June, with main activities from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM both days. Please check the official website for the latest schedule and event status.
2. Location: Yoshiwara Shopping Street and Yoshiwara Honmachi Street area in Yoshiwara, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The main venue is the section from Yoshiwara Chuo Station to Ichikawa Tobacco Shop.
3. Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Tokaido Main Line "Fuji Station" or "Yoshiwara Station," or about 5 minutes by taxi. It is a short walk from Gakunan Railway "Yoshiwara Honmachi Station".
4. Traffic Regulations: On both days, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the section from Yoshiwara Chuo Station to Ichikawa Tobacco Shop becomes a pedestrian paradise, and surrounding roads are closed to vehicle traffic.
5. Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot. The use of public transportation is strongly recommended.
6. Food Stalls (Yatai): Over 200 food and game stalls line up along the approximately one-kilometer-long Yoshiwara shopping street.
7. Contact Information: Yoshiwara Gion Festival Executive Committee (please check the official website for contact details). Please verify the phone number before calling.

Surrounding Area Information

The Yoshiwara district of Fuji City is a historically rich area that flourished as a post town on the Tokaido road. During the Edo period, it was lined with honjin, waki-honjin, and hatago inns, bustling with many travelers. Even today, remnants of the old highway streetscape can be seen in many places, and during the festival season, this atmosphere becomes even more pronounced. The Yoshiwara shopping street is the center of daily life for local residents and is usually bustling with shoppers.

Mount Fuji, the symbol of Fuji City, can be beautifully viewed from the Yoshiwara area. On clear days, the contrast between the festive atmosphere and the majestic mountain is striking. Nearby is Tanoura Port, where restaurants serving fresh seafood can be found. The area is also blessed with abundant nature, including the Fuji River and the Urui River.

The surrounding area has many sightseeing spots offering views of Mount Fuji and shops selling local specialties. Fuji City is also known for its thriving paper manufacturing industry, and experience facilities and museums related to paper are among the attractions. Visiting these facilities before or after the festival can provide a deeper understanding of the region's culture.

Related Information

1. Organizers: The festival is organized by the Yoshiwara Gion Festival Executive Committee and operated cooperatively by the six shrines (Tenjinsha, Kinomoto Jinja, Yasaka Jinja, Hachimangu, Yamasha Jinja, and Wada Hachimangu) and their 24 parish neighborhoods.
2. Origin of the Festival Name: The nickname "Oten no San" comes from the festival being a "Tenjin Festival." It became affectionately known this way because it honors the "Tenjin" (Heavenly King) deity enshrined at the six shrines.
3. Features of the Mikoshi: The portable shrines of the Yoshiwara Gion Festival are characteristically covered with bamboo grass (sasa). According to tradition, if a person takes some of this bamboo grass home and displays it under the eaves, it serves as a protective charm against misfortune.
4. Police Marching Band Parade: From around 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the second day, a parade by the police marching band takes place. The lively music further enhances the festive atmosphere.
5. Historical Value: The float parade is said to have begun during the Edo period (by one account around 1660, Manji 3), giving it a history of over 350 years. This long tradition is a source of pride for the local people.
6. Each has its own unique culture and traditions, and visiting them for comparison can be an enjoyable way to explore.

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