Sougawa Matsuri (Prefectural intangible cultural asset)

On November 3, Sougawa Matsuri is held at Sougawa Shrine which was built by the Sougawa Chogen in 1204. 
It is an ancient festival in which the Maishishi of Shingaku (a lion dance) is held.

Access to Sougawa Shrine

JR and Bus

From JR Gobo station, get on Gobo Nankai bus “to Sougawa” and get off at “Sougawa” (about one and a half hours)

Atagi Matsuri (Prefectural intangible cultural asset)

Kamiatagi Shrine which has a history of over 1000 years is surrounded by a dense cedar forest.
Kamiatagi matsuri is held at Kamiatagi Shrine on April 29 every year.
“Shiouchi” a ritual in which salt is thrown to clean the mountain path and children dedicate the “yatsuhashi” dance to the god of the shrine.

Access to Kamiatagi Shrine

JR and Bus

From JR Gobo station, get on Gobo Nankai bus “to Sougawa” or ”Hukui” and get off at “Tairabashi” (about one hour and ten minutes)

Oyumi Shinji(Prefectural intangible cultural asset)

Oyumi Shinji, held at Shimoatagi Shrine, is said to have originated from warriors.
This shows people’s desire to protect their territory.
They pray for an abundant harvest and the security of the nation. Fourteen people shoot arrows.

Access to Shimoatagi Shrine

JR and Bus

From JR Gobo station, get on Gobo Nankai bus “to Kawarago” or “Sougawa” or ”Hukui” and get off at “Atagi” (about one hour)

Warai Matsuri (Laughing Festival)

This unique festival is held at Nyu Shrine every October. A lot of the tourists visit, and their laughter sound around the area. The name of “Warainosato”, the village of smile came from the Warai Matsuri.

The date

Sunday just before The Health and Sports Day in October

habu matusri（Prefectural intangible folkart）

Here, you can see the two headed lion dance. He dances without musical accompaniment such as a flute and drum. Instead of music, the male and female ogres use the pike and bamboo wisk to make sounds. So lion can perform. This festival is recognized as a special folkart by Wakayama Prefecture.

The date

The Third Sunday in October

kidou matusri （Prefectural intangible folkart）

You can see the horse races and decorated floats in the festival.
The float is made by the local young people. You can see a new one every year

The date

Sunday just before The Health and Sports Day in October