Ibimatsuri

HIGHLIGHTS

Kabuki

The kabuki is performed by school children. The first performance is staged in front of the shrine gate for dedication to the deity.

Mikoshi

These mikoshi, portable shrines are shaken wildly, waving the shrine to increase its divine power; thus praying for a good harvest.

Dashi (Floats)

Five gorgeous floats line up in the precincts and Kabuki is performed in the middle. These floats are full of carvings and metal decorations.

Mikomai

Miko mai, shrine maidens’ dance is performed during Shinto rituals and this beautiful dance is dedicated to entertain the deity.

ABOUT

Annual Festival of Miwa Shrine

Ibi Matsuri, the annual festival of Miwa Shrine, held on every May 4 and 5, has a history of over 300 years. Its history dates all the way back to the 18th century with the appearance of the mikoshi parade drawn in this picture scroll in 1727.

This festival is known for large and gorgeous 5 floats and 3 beautiful mikoshi (portable shrines). All 5 floats line up in the shrine’s ground and Kabuki is performed by school children in the center. The performance is dedication to the deity.

Like many Japanese festivals, Ibi Matsuri is Shinto celebration. At the beginning of the festival, the Shinto ritual is held to the deity to show appreciation for peace and pray for further prosperity in the community. Then the first Kabuki performance is staged in front of the shrine gate for dedication.

SCHEDULE

May 4

9:30　The annual ceremony starts
11:00　Yama (floats) coming to the shrine
13:30　The first performance of Kabuki dedicated to the deity (in front of the shrine gate)
16:00　Kabuki performance
19:30　Kabuki performance
21:00　Yama (floats) returning to the storehouse and lining up on the Honmachi street

May 5

9:00　Yama (floats) coming to the shrine
11:00　Parade of Kabuki actors and actresses starts
12:30　Miko-mai (shrine maidens’ dance)
13:00　Ceremony for departure of Mikoshi (portable shrines)
13:30　Mikoshi parade starts

14:00　Kabuki performance
15:00　Mochi-maki (scattering rice cakes by Kabuki actors and actresses)
16:00　Kabuki performance
19:00　Ceremony for returning of Mikoshi (portable shrines)
19:30　Kabuki performance
21:00　Yama (floats) returning to the storehouse