What Is the Miyazaki Shrine Grand Festival?
The Miyazaki Shrine Grand Festival is the grand annual festival of Miyazaki Jingū shrine in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, held each autumn. Affectionately known as "Jinmu-sama," it is recognized as a festival representative of Miyazaki Prefecture. A gorgeous goshinkō procession based on mythology parades through the city center, and with varied events such as the "Miss Shanshan Horse" and the shinshin parade, it is a major autumn event of Miyazaki.
History and Origins
Miyazaki Jingū is a shrine enshrining as its principal deity Emperor Jinmu (Kamuyamato Iwarehiko no Mikoto), regarded as the first emperor. Deriving from the myth that Emperor Jinmu set out on his eastern expedition from the land of Hyūga (Miyazaki), it has drawn the deep devotion of the region as a venerable shrine closely associated with myth and the founding of the nation. The Miyazaki Shrine Grand Festival is held as the grand annual festival honoring Emperor Jinmu, and along with the affectionate name "Jinmu-sama," it is an autumn tradition long cherished by the people of Miyazaki.
Highlights
The greatest attraction is the gorgeous goshinkō procession that recreates the world of myth. The sight of a portable shrine at the center, with a children's procession and people in period costume parading through the city center, is magnificent, drawing spectators into the age of myth. Among them, the "Miss Shanshan Horse," in which a bride parades on a beautifully decorated horse, is a gorgeous feature distinctive to Miyazaki, advancing to the sound of bells. Shinshin events such as gagaku court music and dance are also held, allowing visitors to fully enjoy a festival that colors the autumn of Miyazaki, where tradition and liveliness become one.
When It Takes Place
The festival is typically held in autumn (October) at Miyazaki Jingū and throughout the city center of Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. As an autumn grand festival, its season is autumn. Because the dates and routes of the goshinkō procession and the parade vary from year to year, visitors are advised to confirm details in advance through official announcements from Miyazaki Jingū and Miyazaki City.
Access
Miyazaki Jingū enjoys good access, within walking distance of Miyazaki-jingū Station on the JR Nippō Main Line. Close to central Miyazaki City, it can be reached by JR or car from the direction of Miyazaki Station. As the goshinkō procession winds through the city center, it can be viewed at various points along the route. As crowds are expected during the festival, public transport is recommended.
Around the Area
Miyazaki City, with a warm climate and rows of phoenix palms that evoke a southern mood, is the stage of the Hyūga myths. In addition to Miyazaki Jingū, places associated with myth are dotted throughout the prefecture, including the seaside Aoshima Shrine, the "Devil's Washboard" rock formations, and the famed Takachiho (in the north). Local specialties such as chicken nanban, Miyazaki beef, and mango are also abundant. Together with the beautiful scenery of the Nichinan Coast, it is an area where one can savor the nature, history, and food of Miyazaki, the land of myth.
Sources & Related Links
- 📚 Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- 🇯🇵 Wikipedia (日本語)
- 🔁 日本語版: 宮崎神宮大祭