Ōgaki Festival

What Is the Ōgaki Festival?

The Ōgaki Festival is the annual festival of Ōgaki Hachiman Shrine in Ōgaki, Gifu Prefecture, held each May. It is known for the procession of 13 resplendent floats called yama through the castle town, with performances of intricate mechanical karakuri dolls and dances by children. With a history of about 370 years, it is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is also inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list as one of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals"—a traditional festival that colors the early summer of western Mino.

History and Origins

The Ōgaki Festival is said to have begun in 1648 as the festival of Ōgaki Hachiman Shrine, the tutelary deity of the Ōgaki castle town. Its origin is said to lie in the townspeople's joy at the arrival of the then lord of the Ōgaki domain, Toda Ujikane, for which they built floats and dedicated them. In this festival, handed down for some 370 years, the yama that each neighborhood takes pride in, equipped with intricate karakuri dolls, process through the castle town to festival music. Although it suffered the hardship of many floats being destroyed by fire in the war, they were restored by the townspeople, and the tradition is protected and handed down to this day.

Highlights

The greatest attractions are the procession of 13 resplendent yama and the varied performances presented on each float. Floats whose intricate karakuri dolls show ingeniously contrived movements, and floats on which children present endearing dances, delight spectators with the ingenious staging of each neighborhood. Especially not to be missed are the "hōgei" performances before the shrine and the magical procession of the "yomiya," in which lanterns are lit at night. It is a richly rewarding festival that brings together artisanship and the spirit of the townspeople.

When It Takes Place

The festival is typically held on the Saturday and Sunday nearest 15 May at Ōgaki Hachiman Shrine and throughout the castle town of Ōgaki, Gifu Prefecture. As an early-summer annual festival, its season is spring. The hōgei performances of karakuri dolls and the nighttime "yomiya" are the highlights. Visitors are advised to confirm the details of dates and routes in advance through official announcements from Ōgaki City and the local tourism association.

Access

The area around Ōgaki Hachiman Shrine enjoys good access, within walking distance of Ōgaki Station on the JR Tōkaidō Main Line. The location is easily reached, about 30 minutes by JR from the direction of Nagoya. As traffic restrictions are imposed in the city center during the festival, public transport is recommended.

Around the Area

Ōgaki is known as the "City of Water," blessed with abundant groundwater, with wells of naturally gushing spring water in various parts of the city. It is also famed as the closing place of Matsuo Bashō's travel account "Oku no Hosomichi," and at the "Oku no Hosomichi Musubi no Chi Memorial Hall" visitors can reflect on Bashō's journey. The reconstructed Ōgaki Castle and the evocative streets of the castle town are also highlights. The local Japanese sweet "mizu-manjū," made using spring water, is also a specialty, making it an area where one can enjoy the culture and festival distinctive to the City of Water.

← Explore More Festivals