Mamada no Jagamaita Snake Festival 2026

• Event date:
  May 5, 2026 at 3:19 am
• Event end:
  May 5, 2026 at 3:19 am

The Mamada no Jagamaita Snake Festival 2026 is a fascinating, traditional event held every year on May 5th (Children’s Day) in the town of Mamada, Japan. The festival is dedicated to praying for a good harvest and the elimination of epidemics before the rice planting season, with children playing a central role in the festivities.

Key Details of the Festival:

• Date: May 5th, 2026 (Rain or Shine)
• Venue: Mamada Hachimangu Shrine grounds
• Snake Gathering: 10:30 AM
• Purification Ceremony: 11:00 AM
• Opening Ceremony: 11:30 AM
• Carrying Out / Water Drinking Ceremony: 12:00 PM
• Ticket Fee: Free

Festival Highlights:

1. Snake Making: The festival begins with the making of the giant snakes, which are created by local junior high school students under the guidance of the Jagamita Executive Committee. The most important part of the snake, the Jagashira (head), reflects each neighborhood’s creativity and pride.
2. Snake Gathering: Starting around 10:30 AM, the snakes from seven neighborhoods gather at Mamada Hachimangu Shrine, where the festival kicks into full gear with the sound of taiko drums welcoming the arrival of the snakes.
3. Exorcism & Purification Ceremonies: The snakes are purified in the “hebiyose” ceremony by the chief priest at around 11:00 AM, followed by the “mizu-nomi-gi” ceremony, in which sacred sake is poured into the snake’s mouth, and the snakes parade around the shrine.
4. Water Drinking Ceremony: At noon, the giant snake heads are plunged into a pond in a dramatic display. Some of the snakes even jump into the water, creating a lively and chaotic scene that excites the crowds. This is a prayer for rain to help the crops grow.
5. Parade: After the water-drinking ceremony, the snakes are paraded back to their neighborhoods. During the parade, people invite the snake into their homes and pray for its power to ward off evil and bring safety and good fortune.
6. Snake Massage: As the evening draws near, the festival culminates with the “Snake Massage” event, where giant snakes are paraded around, and the atmosphere turns both festive and dramatic with the swaying and dancing of the snakes.

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Parking Information:

• Parking Lot 1: Mamada Junior High School grounds (approx. 150 cars)
• Parking Lot 2: Oyama City Mamada Civic Exchange Center “Shirasagi Hall” (approx. 100 cars)

Please note that parking is limited, so it’s recommended to use public transportation. Additionally, Mamada Junior High School gates are open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM for security reasons, and no entry or exit is allowed after 2:00 PM.

Significance:

The Mamada Jagamaita Snake Festival is not only a celebration of the harvest and purification but is also recognized for its folk cultural importance. In 2019, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, acknowledging its deep connection to local customs, beliefs, and rainmaking rituals.

Fun Fact:

The sight of the giant snakes parading through the streets, splashing water and dancing through the town, is a spectacle that can draw over 10,000 spectators, making this one of the most unique and vibrant traditional festivals in Japan!

Whether you’re interested in Japanese folk culture, enjoy witnessing unique religious ceremonies, or simply love vibrant festivals, the Mamada no Jagamaita Snake Festival is an event you won’t want to miss!

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