Esashi Kamomejima Festival

Overview

The Esashi Kamomejima Matsuri is a festival held annually on the first Saturday of July and the following day at Kamomejima (Seagull Island) and its surrounding areas in Esashi Town, Hiyama District, Hokkaido. Centered around the grand festival of Itsukushima Shrine, which prays for maritime safety and bountiful catches, this festival combines solemn Shinto rituals with numerous community-participation events. It is recognized as one of the "Three Major Festivals of Esashi," alongside the Ubagami Daijingu Gotosai and the Esashi Oiwake National Convention, attracting many visitors from both within and outside the town.

This festival is characterized by its unique blend of the grand festival of Itsukushima Shrine on Kamomejima and various entertainment events such as the Kitamae-bune boat race, stage performances, and a fireworks display. Because sacred rituals and festive entertainment unfold simultaneously on the same island and harbor space, worshippers and festival-goers naturally intermingle, creating a distinctive festival atmosphere where solemnity and liveliness coexist. The festival deeply reflects Esashi's history as a port town and the faith of its fishermen and residents.

History and Origin

The origins of the rituals at the heart of the Esashi Kamomejima Matsuri trace back to the "Orii (O Rin) Legend" of the Ubagami Daijingu Shrine in Esashi Town. This legend tells the story of how the deity of Ubagami Daijingu came to reside in this area and is closely connected to the Heishiiwa (Bottle Rock) that still stands on Kamomejima. According to tradition, this rock is believed to be inhabited by a deity and has long been an object of worship among those involved in the fishing industry.

The exact date of the establishment of the current Itsukushima Shrine on Kamomejima is not clear, but it is believed to be descended from the Benten-sha (also known as Benzaiten-sha), which was once a subsidiary shrine of Ubagami Daijingu. Originally, these two shrines held a single festival called the "Ubagami Benten-gu Sairei," which was held every other year, alternating between the two shrines. In 1862, upon the proposal of the Tokiwa-kai, the parishioner organization of Ubagami Daijingu, the festivals of the two shrines were separated and became independent, to be held annually. At the time of separation, the festival of Ubagami Daijingu was held on August 15 and 16, while the festival of Benten-sha (later Itsukushima Shrine) was held on May 26 and 27.

With the separation of the festivals, the float procession that had been held moved to the festival of Ubagami Daijingu. Consequently, the Kamomejima Matsuri came to focus on the rituals of Itsukushima Shrine related to the Heishiiwa rock. These rituals, such as the offering of sacred Shimenawa ropes to Heishiiwa and the kaijo togyo (sea procession) where a portable shrine is carried on a boat to patrol the sea, have maintained their unique forms closely tied to the sea, passed down through generations of fishermen. The prosperity of Esashi as a port town and its economic foundation built on herring fishing shaped the form of this festival's rituals.

After the Meiji period, the festival continued as the grand festival of Itsukushima Shrine. In the post-war era, in conjunction with the town's tourism promotion efforts, various community events were added to the sacred rituals. It was relatively recently that the festival became established as a comprehensive celebration under the current name "Esashi Kamomejima Matsuri." However, the core rituals, such as the making and offering of the Shimenawa rope to Heishiiwa and the kaijo togyo (sea procession) of the portable shrine, have been preserved unchanged by the faith and determination of Esashi's fishing community to uphold their traditions.

Highlights

The Making of the Great Shimenawa Rope for Heishiiwa (Heishiiwa Dai-shimenawa Nae) On the first day of the Kamomejima Matsuri, at the sandy beach called Maebama overlooking Heishiiwa, volunteer fishermen braid the main rope and the smaller ropes (Shimenoko) used for the sacred Shimenawa decoration. This work is performed by local fishermen who apply their years of experience and technical skill, and the sight of them weaving a thick, long rope is impressive for spectators. Prayers for the safety of the sea and a bountiful catch in Esashi are woven into each strand of the rope.

The Decoration of the Great Shimenawa on Heishiiwa (Heishiiwa Dai-shimenawa Shimekazari) The braided Shimenawa rope is transported to the base of Heishiiwa on a float, and young men perform a ritual to replace the old rope with the new one on the rock. Because this decoration is attached to the approximately 15-meter-tall Heishiiwa rock amidst rough waves, it is known as a dangerous ritual. When the Shimenawa is successfully placed on the rock, loud applause and cheers erupt from the participants and onlookers, marking one of the climaxes of the festival.

Itsukushima Shrine Grand Festival (Yoimiya-sai) From around 6:30 PM on the first day, the Yoimiya-sai (eve festival) is held at Itsukushima Shrine on the island. A series of solemn rituals are performed in succession, including the opening address, purification ceremony, opening of the shrine doors, offering of food, recitation of prayers, offering of sacred branches, the rite of transferring the divine spirit to the portable shrine (Osenrei-sai), purification of the portable shrine, the rite of determining the pilot boat, Kagura sacred dance, and lion dance. These solemn rituals, conducted in a sacred atmosphere, allow one to feel the depth of faith that is the origin of the festival.

Itsukushima Shrine Grand Festival (Sea Procession of the Portable Shrine - Oshioyo Kairo Gotosai) From around 8:00 AM on the second day, the portable shrine is placed on a dedicated fishing boat called the Gozasen, and it tours the sea around Kamomejima, led by a pilot boat. The entire process, from the portable shrine being carried out of the shrine by Shinto priests and volunteer fishermen to being loaded onto the boat moored at the quay, is a moving sight. The image of the shrine boat advancing across the waters of Esashi Port is a symbolic scene of this town that lives with the sea, leaving a lasting impression on many visitors.

The All-Hokkaido Kitamae-bune Boat Race This boat race using rowed Kitamae-bune is held on the second day of the festival. Each team is composed of 6 to 8 rowers, one helmsman, and one person signaling with a bell or gong. The race is a time trial held on a special course set up within Esashi Port. This competition, which conveys the history of the Kitamae-bune, the mainstay of maritime transport on the Sea of Japan, allows both participants and spectators to experience the traditions of this port town.

Esashi Kagura Sacred Dance Offering After the completion of the Shimenawa decoration, a Shinto priest and a Miko (shrine maiden) perform the Esashi Kagura on the float used to transport the Shimenawa. The kagura, performed in the presence of the assembled fishermen, is a solemn and fitting conclusion to the festival's sacred rituals. This is a precious opportunity to view Esashi's traditional performing art, kagura, up close against the backdrop of the sea.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: Generally held on the first Saturday of July and the following day. Please check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of the event's status.
• Venue: Kamomejima, Esashi Town, Hiyama District, Hokkaido, and the surrounding area of Esashi Port. Itsukushima Shrine is located on Kamomejima.
• Access (Public Transportation): Take a Hakodate Bus from JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, get off at the "Ubagami-cho Ferry-mae" bus stop, and walk for about 10 minutes. Bus services are limited, so checking the timetable in advance is recommended.
• Access (By Car): From the Hakodate Shindo Hakodate Interchange, take National Route 227 for approximately 70 kilometers, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Free parking is available for about 100 cars, but congestion is expected during the festival period, so early arrival is advisable.
• Admission Fee: Admission to the festival grounds is free. Viewing from the streetside is also free. If special viewing stands are set up, their fees may vary from year to year, so please refer to the official announcements. Viewing the Kitamae-bune boat race is also free.
• Inquiries: Esashi Tourism and Convention Association (Phone: 0139-52-4815). An on-site headquarters on the island may be established during the festival, but the phone number may vary, so please check the official website.
• Parking: Free parking is available (approximately 100 spaces). However, as spaces are limited, using public transportation is also recommended.

Surrounding Area Information

Esashi Town is a port town that once prospered from herring fishing, and the town has various historical buildings and cultural facilities. Within walking distance from Kamomejima is the "Kamomejima Lighthouse," which offers a panoramic view of the town of Esashi. During the festival period, the interior of the lighthouse, which is usually closed to the public, is opened for special viewing. From this lighthouse, one can enjoy the contrast between the bustling festival and the tranquil sea.

Across from Kamomejima stands the "Ubagami Daijingu Shrine," which conveys the history of Esashi Town. This shrine is the venue for the "Ubagami Daijingu Gotosai," one of the three major festivals of Esashi, and has a deep historical connection with the Kamomejima Matsuri. Around Ubagami Daijingu, the "Inishie Kaido" (Ancient Road) retains traditional townhouses of Esashi, allowing visitors to explore and learn about the town's history and culture.

In the center of Esashi Town, there are facilities such as the "Esashi Town Folk Museum" and the "Kaiyomaru Memorial Hall" where visitors can learn about Esashi's history and maritime culture. The Kaiyomaru Memorial Hall, in particular, exhibits a full-scale model of the "Kaiyomaru," a warship of the Edo Shogunate, allowing visitors to experience Esashi's history from the Bakumatsu period. Visiting these facilities between festival events provides a deeper understanding of Esashi's journey as a port town.

Related Information

• The Esashi Kamomejima Matsuri is one of the "Three Major Festivals of Esashi," alongside the "Ubagami Daijingu Gotosai" and the "Esashi Oiwake National Convention." These festivals are held in different seasons throughout the year and form the core of Esashi's annual tourism.
• The central shrine of the festival, Itsukushima Shrine, is located on Kamomejima, adjacent to Esashi Port, on a hill about 20 meters above sea level. From the shrine, one can overlook Esashi Port and the Sea of Japan.
• Heishiiwa is a basalt rock reef about 15 meters high rising from the sea east of Kamomejima. It is revered as a sacred site appearing in the Orii legend and is venerated by fishermen.
• Besides the sacred rituals, the Kamomejima Matsuri offers events for all generations, including boarding experiences on Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels, a parade by the Esashi Elementary School brass band, and the Esashi Ondo Thousand-Person Parade.
• During the festival, numerous food stalls and kitchen cars line the grassy plaza on Kamomejima, and a robata-yaki (hearth-grilled) corner featuring local seafood is also set up. Visitors can enjoy the local food culture.
• The sea procession of the portable shrine may be canceled in case of bad weather or rough seas. The start time of the Shimenawa-related events for Heishiiwa may be moved forward in case of bad weather. For the latest information, check the official Facebook page of the Esashi Tourism and Convention Association or announcements made by patrol cars.
• The history of the Kamomejima Matsuri is closely tied to the history of fishing in Esashi. During Esashi's prosperous period of herring fishing, fishermen cherished and maintained this festival to give thanks for bountiful catches and pray for safety at sea.
• During the festival period, the Kamomejima Lighthouse is open to the public. This is a precious opportunity to view the interior of the lighthouse, which is usually unmanned and has its entrance closed.
• The All-Hokkaido Kitamae-bune Boat Race is a time-trial format held on multiple lanes set up within Esashi Port, proceeding through preliminaries, semifinals, and finals. Participating teams come from various parts of Hokkaido.

← Explore More Festivals