A shared illustration for this type of festival, not this festival itself. Photos are welcome.
Hitachi-Otsu Ofune Festival
Japanese name: 常陸大津の御船祭（ひたちおおつのおふねまつり）
Kitaibaraki, Ibaraki
2027
This festival is not expected to be held in 2027.
About the festival
This is the spring annual festival of Sawawachigi Shrine in Otsu, Kitaibaraki City, held once every five years. The mikoshi (portable shrine) is placed aboard a large decorated wooden boat, which travels through the town toward the seashore. Wooden frames called soroban are laid on the road, and young people rock the boat from side to side as they slide it forward.
A wooden boat slid forward over soroban wooden frames
Ofune-uta boat songs offered at points such as town boundaries
The boat swaying hard as it turns the corners of narrow lanes
Key facts
- Category
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals
- Location
- Kitaibaraki, Ibaraki
- Main venue
- Otsu, Kitaibaraki (Sawawachigi Shrine)
- Getting there
- About 5 minutes by car from Otsuko Station on the JR Joban Line.
This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.
Nearby and similar festivals
FAQ
- When is Hitachi-Otsu Ofune Festival held in 2027?
- Hitachi-Otsu Ofune Festival is not expected to be held in 2027.
- Where is Hitachi-Otsu Ofune Festival held?
- It is held in Kitaibaraki, Ibaraki. The main venue is Otsu, Kitaibaraki (Sawawachigi Shrine).
- How are the dates of Hitachi-Otsu Ofune Festival set?
- Once every five years, May 2 (eve festival) and May 3 (main festival); the spring annual festival of Sawawachigi Shrine