Miyazaki Shrine Grand Festival

Overview

The Miyazaki Shingu Grand Festival is an annual autumn festival held at Miyazaki Shingu Shrine in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Commonly known by the affectionate name "Jimmu-sama," it is the largest festival in the prefecture, drawing numerous worshippers and spectators. The enshrined deity of Miyazaki Shingu is Emperor Jimmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko no Mikoto), and the festival is held to honor his divine virtues and give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

The annual grand ritual (reisai) of Miyazaki Shingu is held on October 26, followed by the main festivities centered on the Divine Procession (Goshinko-sai) over the two days of the Saturday and Sunday after the ritual (the current schedule was set in 1971 / Showa 46). The Sacred Procession features the imperial palanquin (Go-horen) carrying the spirit of the deity at its head, followed by solemn court music, lion dances, and a children's parade. Meanwhile, the Festival Procession adds vibrancy with colorful attractions including the Miss Shanshan Horse, the ancient vessel "Okiyo Maru," and the Hyottoko dance, enriching the festive atmosphere.

History and Origin

The exact origins of the Miyazaki Shingu Grand Festival are uncertain due to scattered historical records. However, a document titled "Choshuku Soko" from 1785 (Tenmei 4) submitted to the Yoshida family contains descriptions of a procession. Additionally, diaries kept at Miyazaki Shingu from 1876 (Meiji 9) record the carrying of the portable shrine. The festival's organizers consider 1876 as the starting point of the Miyazaki Shingu Grand Festival. Initially, it was a modest event with the portable shrine paraded around the shrine grounds, not nearly as grand as today.

On January 4, 1880 (Meiji 13), residents of what is now Nakamura-cho in Miyazaki City submitted a request to the prefecture for a "ceremony of passage." They asked permission to carry the deity's spirit through their area for 25 days, from March 15 to April 9 on the old lunar calendar. This was granted, greatly expanding the festival's reach. During this period, large numbers of local residents reportedly visited, and for a time the portable shrine stayed in one place for an astonishing 25 days, a length unimaginable in modern times.

In 1907 (Meiji 40), the shrine building was reconstructed and its grounds expanded, giving Miyazaki Shingu a more impressive appearance. This was made possible through the efforts of the "Emperor Jimmu Birth Grand Festival Committee," organized in 1898, which included prominent figures such as Duke Motohiro Nijo, Count Tadaaki Shimazu, and Baron Kenkichi Takagi. They led a nationwide fundraising campaign. Miyazaki Shingu explains that this improvement to the shrine grounds heightened local pride and spurred the expansion of the festival.

Around 1909 (Meiji 42), a new imperial palanquin was crafted, and the current style of forming a procession was established. During the Taisho and early Showa periods, "Jimmu-sama" was a four-day event: the main festival on the 26th, the palanquin's stay at the Otabisho (Sekigashira) on the 27th, another stay at the Otabisho (Nakamura) on the 28th, and the return procession on the 29th. This format continued until 1943 (Showa 18), although it was canceled in 1912 (Taisho 1) upon the death of Emperor Meiji and in 1927 (Showa 2) upon the death of Emperor Taisho.

As the war situation worsened, the sacred procession was shortened to one day in 1944 (Showa 19). In 1945 (Showa 20), only the main festival was held, and the procession itself was canceled. After the war, the festival was gradually revived and developed. The Miss Shanshan Horse attraction appeared in 1949 (Showa 24). In 1950 (Showa 25), the Miyazaki Shingu Festival Support Association was established, with the Miyazaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry taking the lead in management. Later, in 1971 (Showa 46), the schedule was changed to its current form, with the main festival on October 26 and the sacred procession on the following Saturday and Sunday.

Highlights

The Sacred Procession (Outward Leg) The Sacred Procession departs from Miyazaki Shingu around 1:00 PM on the first Saturday after the main festival. A lion dance leads the procession, followed by the imperial palanquin (Go-horen) accompanied by attendants. The palanquin, carrying the deity's spirit, is the most sacred element, and strict rules require all attendants to refrain from smoking. Even elderly participants are not permitted to use canes, reflecting the solemnity of the ritual.

The Festival Procession Following the Sacred Procession, the Festival Procession parades through the streets, adding color and vibrancy to the festival. This procession includes diverse attractions such as the Miss Shanshan Horse, Hyottoko dance, and Jimmu children's taiko drumming. The festival reached its peak in the 1970s, drawing approximately 500,000 spectators over two days in 1976. During this time, it was regarded as one of Kyushu's three major festivals, alongside Hakata Dontaku and Nagasaki Kunchi.

Miss Shanshan Horse The Shanshan Horse tradition originates from horses ridden by newlywed couples visiting Udo Shrine. Its prototype was a parade of 20 Shanshan horses proposed by Shotaro Iwakiri, then chairman of the Miyazaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for the 1940 Hinata Founding Exposition held in Miyazaki City. The horses officially joined the festival procession in 1949. Women dressed in bridal attire ride horses adorned with bells that jingle with a distinctive "shanshan" sound, making this a beloved symbol of the festival.

Ancient Vessel "Okiyo Maru" The Okiyo Maru is a reconstructed ancient vessel modeled after the ship used by Emperor Jimmu during his eastern expedition. It was introduced in 2005 as part of efforts to enhance the solemnity of the Sacred Procession. This vessel was a key element of a three-year reform plan for "Jimmu-sama" that began in 2003, designed to separate the sacred and celebratory aspects of the procession and restore its dignity.

Mounted Archery Warrior Procession This procession, featuring warriors in Kamakura-period attire, was revived in 1940 to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of the imperial founding. Actual horseback archery (yabusame) is held on April 3, the day of the Emperor Jimmu Festival, within the grounds of Miyazaki Shingu. The procession adds a profound historical dimension to the festival, evoking the martial traditions of medieval Japan.

Jimmu-sama Square Jimmu-sama Square is an evening event held on Takachiho Street after the outward leg of the Sacred Procession. Initiated in 2003, the square features food stalls and multiple stages where local Kagura dances, gagaku court music, and taiko drumming are performed. Some groups that previously participated in the Festival Procession now perform here, extending the festival's lively atmosphere into the evening hours.

Event Information and Access

• Timing: Generally held on a Saturday and Sunday between October 26 and early November. The main festival is on October 26, with the sacred procession on the first Saturday (outward leg) and Sunday (return leg) thereafter. Dates may shift into November depending on the calendar, so visitors should check the official website for the latest schedule.
• Venue: Miyazaki Shingu Shrine (2-4-1 Jingumiya, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture) and thoroughfares in central Miyazaki City, including Tachibana Street, Asahi Street, and Takachiho Street.
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Miyazaki Station, or take a Miyazaki Kotsu bus to "Jingu-mae" stop and walk immediately to the shrine. For those driving, paid parking lots are available in the vicinity. Road closures are in effect on festival days, so public transportation is recommended.
• Admission: Free (viewing along the parade route and entry to Jimmu-sama Square are free of charge).
• Visitors must check the official website for the most current schedule and confirmation of whether the event will be held as planned. The festival has been canceled in the past due to imperial deaths or illnesses, wars, shrine renovations, and epidemics.
• Inquiries: Miyazaki Shingu Shrine (contact phone number available on the official website) or the Miyazaki Shingu Festival Support Association at the Miyazaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Surrounding Area

Around Miyazaki Shingu, the spacious Shingu Park offers seasonal natural beauty. It is especially renowned as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, attracting many visitors for hanami. The park also houses the Miyazaki Prefectural Library and the Miyazaki City Museum, making it an excellent place to visit during breaks from the festival. South of the shrine, within walking distance, the central shopping districts of Tachibana Street and Takachiho Street offer a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops.

Approximately 20 minutes by car from central Miyazaki, the Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore provides comprehensive exhibits on Emperor Jimmu and the history and culture of Miyazaki Prefecture. It is well worth a visit to deepen one's understanding of the festival's background. About 3 kilometers southeast of Miyazaki Shingu, Aoshima Shrine stands as a symbol of Miyazaki City, surrounded by the unique coastal rock formations known as "Oni no Sentakuban" (the Devil's Washboard).

The festival period coincides with the autumn tourist season, and hotels and inns in Miyazaki City tend to fill up quickly. Local hot spring facilities and restaurants abound, offering dishes made with regional ingredients. Especially recommended local gourmet items include Miyazaki beef, charcoal-grilled local chicken, and sweets flavored with Hyuganatsu citrus fruit.

Related Information

• The enshrined deity of Miyazaki Shingu is Emperor Jimmu. The shrine was designated a prefectural shrine in the early Meiji period, later became a National Shrine of Medium Rank (Kokuhei Chusha), and was elevated to the rank of Kanpei Taisha (Imperial Shrine, First Rank) in 1885 (Meiji 18).
• Jimmu-sama Square began in 2003 at Takachiho Street. It moved to Tachibana Street in 2008 but returned to Takachiho Street in 2010.
• The selection method for the Miss Shanshan Horse has changed over time. Starting as a representative from Miyazaki City in 1949, it expanded to representatives from prefectural cities in 1951, then became selections from Miyazaki Kotsu employees in 1971, a public application system in 2000, and since 2001, selections from sponsoring company employees.
• The Otabisho (rest stops for the palanquin) are currently located in Nakamura and Sekigashira, used in alternating years (even and odd years), a system that began in 1965.
• During the Taisho and early Showa eras, festival entertainments included horse racing and lotteries. According to the "Festival Entertainment Regulations" established in 1910 (Meiji 43), those who dedicated entertainments could receive a sacred horse through a lottery, showcasing a different kind of festivity than today.
• The prototype for the Miss Shanshan Horse, which debuted in 1949, was the Shanshan horse parade proposed by Shotaro Iwakiri for the 1940 Hinata Founding Exposition. Iwakiri later became president of Miyazaki Kotsu and made significant contributions to the development of Miyazaki's tourism industry.

← Explore More Festivals