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January 17, 2026 at 1:48 am
Event date:
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January 17, 2026 at 1:49 am
Event end:
The Miyoshi Bonden Festival 2026 is a vibrant and time-honored event held annually on January 17 at Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. This festival, with roots tracing back to the Edo period, is a unique blend of spiritual devotion and spirited competition.
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- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine, 3-2 Akanuma, Hiroomote, Akita City, Akita Prefecture
- Admission: Free
Cultural Significance
The festival centers around the offering of bonden—sacred wands made of bamboo, adorned with colorful cloth and streamers. These bonden serve as vessels for Shinto deities, symbolizing prayers for good health, abundant harvests, and prosperous businesses. The act of carrying and offering the bonden is believed to invite divine blessings, ensuring well-being and success for the community in the coming year.
Festival Highlights
- Bonden Procession: Teams of local men, including children and company employees, carry their elaborately decorated bonden, which can reach heights of up to 4 meters, through the streets to the shrine. The procession is a dynamic and occasionally chaotic event, with participants jostling to be the first to present their offerings at the shrine. This spirited race is believed to bring good health, abundant harvests, and prosperity to the participants.
- Community Participation: The festival is not only a test of strength and endurance but also a communal event that fosters unity and shared purpose among participants and spectators alike.
Getting There
- By Train: From JR Akita Station, take a bus bound for Taihei and alight at Miyoshi Jinja-Iriguchi Bus Stop (approximately 10 minutes). The shrine is a 2-minute walk from the bus stop.
- By Car: Accessible via the Akita Expressway, with nearby parking available.
Additional Information
- Contact: Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine
- Phone: +81-18-834-3443
- Email: [email protected]
The Miyoshi Bonden Festival is a profound expression of faith and communal harmony, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, participating in or witnessing this festival is a memorable way to start the new year with hope and tradition.
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