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  7. Himeji Funatsu Masahachiman Shrine Autumn Festival: Wear a Happi Coat and Join the Locals in the Procession! Witness the 'Portable Shrine Entry and Clash' and the 'Dragon King Dance'
Product #635269
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Himeji Funatsu Masahachiman Shrine Autumn Festival: Wear a Happi Coat and Join the Locals in the Procession! Witness the 'Portable Shrine Entry and Clash' and the 'Dragon King Dance'
Himeji Funatsu Masahachiman Shrine Autumn Festival: Wear a Happi Coat and Join the Locals in the Procession! Witness the 'Portable Shrine Entry and Clash' and the 'Dragon King Dance'
Himeji Funatsu Masahachiman Shrine Autumn Festival: Wear a Happi Coat and Join the Locals in the Procession! Witness the 'Portable Shrine Entry and Clash' and the 'Dragon King Dance'
Himeji Funatsu Masahachiman Shrine Autumn Festival: Wear a Happi Coat and Join the Locals in the Procession! Witness the 'Portable Shrine Entry and Clash' and the 'Dragon King Dance'
Himeji Funatsu Masahachiman Shrine Autumn Festival: Wear a Happi Coat and Join the Locals in the Procession! Witness the 'Portable Shrine Entry and Clash' and the 'Dragon King Dance'

Himeji Funatsu Masahachiman Shrine Autumn Festival: Wear a Happi Coat and Join the Locals in the Procession! Witness the 'Portable Shrine Entry and Clash' and the 'Dragon King Dance'

Japan-Himeji
Booking confirmation: within 12 days before the departure
Duration:7 hour(s)
Guided language: English / Japanese / Mandarin
Free cancellation 11 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

* This tour provides guide services in Chinese, Japanese, and English.

・Join the Procession with Locals: Put on a happi coat and headband, hold a prayer stick, and join the enthusiastic parade!

・Experience Japanese Festival Culture Up Close: Witness the thrilling 'Miya-iri' (shrine entry) of the portable shrines and the traditional 'Dragon King Dance' unique to Funatsu.

・Stories from the Priest & Exclusive Gifts: Listen to the head priest of Masahachiman Shrine explain the cultural significance of the festival and receive an exclusive local souvenir.

・Visit the Japan Toy Museum: Explore a world-renowned toy museum featuring collections from around the globe and traditional Japanese folk toys.

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

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Product Info

* This tour provides guide services in Chinese, Japanese, and English.

Masahachiman Shrine in Funatsu-cho, located in the northeastern part of Himeji City, holds a grand autumn festival every October. 'Yatai' (festival portable shrines) from various districts gather within the shrine grounds for the powerful 'Miya-iri' (shrine entry) and perform the 'Dragon King Dance' (Jomaijo), which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Himeji City.

On this tour, you will wear a happi coat, tie a headband, hold a 'Shidebo' (prayer stick), and join the local residents in feeling the passionate festival atmosphere. After experiencing the intensity of the Miya-iri up close, the head priest of Masahachiman Shrine will explain Japanese shrine culture, the meaning behind the autumn festival, and traditional Japanese festival culture.

 In addition, we have prepared souvenirs related to the 'Ude-mamori' (wrist amulet), which is indispensable to Himeji festivals. The 'Ude-mamori' is a unique Himeji festival accessory that women hand-sew and embroider with exquisite patterns, then insert an amulet inside to pray for the safety of the men in their families. People participating in the festival wear these unique, colorful embroidered wrist amulets, each carrying the maker's heart and blessings. On the day of the event, you can admire these beautiful embroidered amulets while attending the festival and experience this generational festival culture and the deep emotions of the locals. 

After the festival, we will head to the 'Japan Toy Museum,' located in the northeastern part of Himeji City, not far from Funatsu. This museum is famous for its collection of various toys from around the world and also houses a large number of folk toys from all over Japan. These toys, made to pray for children's healthy growth and protection from illness, are, like the 'Ude-mamori,' the crystallization of daily prayers turned into handmade art. While the festival's excitement still lingers, we will take you to experience the profound Japanese lifestyle culture of 'entrusting wishes to objects.' 

We cordially invite you to immerse yourself in the local festival passion and experience Japanese traditional culture firsthand.

Purchase Notice

【Travel Conditions】
・Departure/Destination: Hyogo Prefecture
・Duration: 0 days, 7 hours
・Transportation: Large Taxi
・Bus Company: HIMEJI TAXI Co., Ltd.
・Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 1, Dinner 0
・Accommodation: None
・Minimum Participants: 6 people
・Guide: 1 person


【Travel Planning/Execution】
・Company Name: Proactive Inc.
・Address: Sannomiya Century Building 3F, Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 650-0034 Japan
　Sannomiya Century Building 3F, Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 650-0034 Japan
・Registration Number:Hyogo Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-705
・Affiliated Travel Association: All Nippon Travel Agents Association (ANTA)

Reminders

  • A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date

  • In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 17:00). Notifications will then be sent via email

  • Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, High blood pressure, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women

  • Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

  • This tour is part of the 'Himeji More Fun' experience project promoted by the Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau. Photography and filming will take place during the event, and the footage may be used for public relations and promotional activities (e.g., official websites, social media, printed materials). You will be asked to sign a formal consent form on the day of the tour regarding the use of these photos and videos; you are free to choose whether or not to consent. * Whether or not you consent will not affect your participation in the tour or your access to services.

  • Please note that the itinerary includes walking sections, such as during the procession.

  • If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.

FAQ

1. What deities are enshrined at Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine?

While specific deity names are not detailed, Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine serves as a vital local spiritual center, deeply rooted in the community. During the Autumn Festival, visitors can engage with the shrine's spiritual heritage through traditional rituals and by listening to the Miyaji (head priest) explain the cultural significance of the enshrined deities and the festival.

2. What unique traditional performances can visitors witness at the Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine Autumn Festival?

At the Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine Autumn Festival, visitors can experience the exhilarating 'Miyairi' mikoshi yamaboko (portable shrine float) parade, where floats are passionately carried into the shrine. Additionally, the festival features the 'Ryuo Dance,' a traditional sacred performance unique to Funatsu, offering a close-up view of vibrant Japanese festival culture.

3. How can visitors actively participate in the Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine Autumn Festival parade?

Visitors can actively join the enthusiastic parade by wearing a traditional happi coat and a head towel, which are provided. They will also hold a prayer staff (shishaku-bo), allowing for an immersive experience alongside local residents in the spirited procession, truly becoming part of the festival.

4. What kind of cultural insights can be gained from the Miyaji (head priest) at the Seihachiman Shrine festival?

During the Seihachiman Shrine Autumn Festival, the Miyaji (head priest) shares insightful stories that unveil the deeper cultural and historical significance behind the celebration. This provides guests with a unique opportunity to understand the rituals, traditions, and the profound cultural context of the festival events, enriching their overall experience.

5. What kind of exhibits are featured at the Japan Toy Museum included with the Himeji Funatsu festival experience?

The Japan Toy Museum, an internationally recognized institution, showcases a diverse array of toys collected from across the globe. It also highlights a special collection of traditional Japanese folk toys, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural importance of playthings.

6. What types of blessings or good fortune are commonly sought by visitors at Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine?

Visitors to Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine commonly seek blessings for protection, prosperity, and good fortune. As a central spiritual site for the community, the shrine is a place where locals and visitors alike offer prayers for general well-being, abundant harvests, and successful endeavors, especially during the vibrant autumn festival.

7. What are the recommended transportation options for reaching Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine from major nearby cities like Osaka or Kyoto?

To reach Himeji, the city hosting the festival, visitors can utilize the Shinkansen (bullet train) from major hubs like Osaka or Kyoto, arriving at Himeji Station. From Himeji Station, local buses or taxis are the usual methods to reach the Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine area. The Shinkansen journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes from Osaka and 50-60 minutes from Kyoto.

8. What makes Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine a significant cultural or spiritual site for visitors?

Himeji Funatsu Seihachiman Shrine is culturally significant as a local spiritual pillar, deeply embedded in the community's traditions. Its annual Autumn Festival, featuring unique events like the 'Ryuo Dance' and the vibrant 'Miyairi' parade, offers an authentic immersion into Japanese traditional culture and provides profound insights into the region's spiritual heritage and community bonds.

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