Saiō Matsuri

Overview

The Saiou Festival (Saiou Matsuri) is held around early June, on a Saturday, in the Saiku Heian no Mori area in Meiwa Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture. This festival recreates the scene of the ancient Saiou, an imperial princess dispatched from the capital of Kyoto to the Ise Grand Shrine, with approximately 120 participants dressed in Heian-period costumes parading from near the Kintetsu Saiku Station through the venue. The event is canceled in case of rain, but it has been a continuous local tradition since the first festival in 1983.

The Saiou was an unmarried imperial princess chosen to serve Amaterasu Omikami at the Ise Grand Shrine on behalf of the Emperor, and over 60 such princesses served in this role during the approximately 660 years from the Asuka period. The Saiou Festival provides an opportunity to reflect on the harsh circumstances and history of these women, having been initiated by a local women's association. Today, one Saiou role is selected annually through a public open call, and the festival brings the Heian period's dynastic picture scrolls to life in the present, having now been held more than 40 times.

History and Origins

The Saiou system was a practice in which an unmarried imperial princess was dispatched to serve at the Ise Grand Shrine each time a new emperor ascended the throne, with its origins tracing back to the Asuka period. The Saiku area in Meiwa Town was an important historical site that contained palaces where the Saiou lived, places for worshiping gods, and buildings for administrative officials, and full-scale archaeological excavations began in 1970. These excavations revealed the scale and structure of the Saiku, leading to its designation as a national historic site.

In 1983, a local women's association initiated the Saiou Festival with the idea of 'enshrining the Saiou.' At that time, the festival was a simple event with Saiou and court lady roles selected from within the town, but it gradually took shape through the efforts of local residents, coinciding with the momentum of the archaeological excavations. The first festival was held in June 1983, and it has been continued annually ever since.

The reenactment of the 'Saiou Gunkou' (procession of the Saiou), the festival's main attraction, began at the third festival in 1985. This procession simulates the five-night, six-day journey from the capital of Kyoto to Ise (Saiku), and while the costumes were initially simple, they evolved into the current splendid Heian-period attire from the seventh festival in 1989. Furthermore, from the 13th festival in 1995, public recruitment from outside the town began, and from the 18th festival in 2000, a selection meeting was held to determine the Saiou role from among applicants who passed the document screening.

From 2020 to 2021, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was held in a reduced format with only the Hiogi Shokei (fan succession ceremony) in 2020, and it was completely canceled in 2021. However, the festival resumed in 2022 and has continued since. During this period, the festival has become established as a local identity, and today it attracts many tourists as a festival that revives the Heian period's dynastic picture scrolls.

Highlights

The Departure Ceremony (Misogi no Gi and Hatsuken no Gi) The departure ceremony is held at approximately 15:00 on the festival day, on the east side of 'Saiou no Mori.' This ceremony reenacts the Misogi no Gi, a purification ritual before the Saiou leaves the capital, and the Hatsuken no Gi, a ceremony where the emperor dispatches her. Participants witness the solemn atmosphere of an ancient court ceremony, observing the Saiou's departure with reverence.

The Saiou Gunkou (Procession) The Saiou Gunkou is a parade in which approximately 120 participants, dressed in Heian-period costumes, walk from 'Saiou no Mori' to 'Saiku Heian no Mori.' This procession recreates the five-night, six-day journey from the capital of Kyoto to Ise, with the Saiou at the center, followed by court ladies and officials. The splendid costumes sway in the wind, creating a scene that looks as if a Heian period picture scroll has come to life in the present day.

The Shato no Gi (Ceremony at the Shrine) The Shato no Gi is the climax of the procession, held at Saiku Heian no Mori around 16:00. This ceremony reenacts the Saiou's arrival at the Ise Grand Shrine and her service before the gods, conducted in a solemn atmosphere. It is a moment when participants and spectators unite, feeling the grandeur of ancient rituals.

Itsuki no Miya MARKET The Itsuki no Miya MARKET is held from 10:00 around the north side of Saiku Station, featuring numerous food trucks and stalls. This market is held jointly with the Saiou Festival, allowing visitors to enjoy local specialties and cuisine. It adds to the festive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.

Details of the Heian Period Costumes The Heian period costumes have been unified to the current form since the 7th festival in 1989, faithfully recreating court attire such as the juni-hitoe (twelve-layered kimono) and kariginu (hunting robe). These costumes are handcrafted by artisans who continue Kyoto's dyeing and weaving techniques, using silk and gold thread. The sight of participants spreading their sleeves is a breathtaking spectacle, as if time has slipped back to the Heian period.

Selection of the Saiou Role and Public Recruitment The Saiou role is selected annually through a public open call, passing through document screening, and since the 18th festival in 2000, it has been determined at a selection meeting. This has brought together participants from both inside and outside Meiwa Town, creating diversity in the festival. The chosen Saiou, along with the court ladies and procession participants recruited through the open call, colors the Heian period picture scroll as the main role of the festival.

Festival Information and Access

• Date and Time: Around early June, on a Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00 (canceled in case of rain). Check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of the event
• Venue: Around Saiku Heian no Mori, Meiwa Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture (immediately from Kintetsu Saiku Station)
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the Historical Park Exit of Kintetsu Saiku Station on the Yamada Line, or immediately from Kintetsu Saiku Station
• Organizer: Saiou Matsuri Executive Committee
• Contact: Saiou Matsuri Executive Committee Office (Phone: 0596-52-0054)
• Official Website: https://saioh.jp/ (Please check for the latest schedule and availability)
• Note: Due to past cancellations and reduced formats in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to check the official website for the latest festival information.

Surrounding Area Information

The Saiku Historical Museum is a facility adjacent to Saiku Heian no Mori, exhibiting artifacts unearthed from the Saiku site and information about the Saiou system. This museum allows visitors to learn about the life and history of the Saiou, making it an ideal place to deepen understanding of the festival. Additionally, reconstructed Saiku buildings can be viewed, offering an experience of the Heian period space.

Saiku Heian no Mori is a plaza developed as part of the Saiku site, with reconstructed Heian period buildings. Serving as the main venue for the festival, this place is usually used for historical walks and events, providing a quiet time for visitors. The surrounding area also includes Saiou no Mori, with maintained walking paths, allowing visitors to walk while feeling the historical atmosphere.

Meiwa Town also has the Oyamato area, associated with the Saiou, where it is said that the Saiou and Otomo no Yakamochi exchanged love poems. This entire region is designated as a Japanese Heritage site and a national historic site, making it a must-see spot for history enthusiasts. Furthermore, the night before the festival, stage lighting creates a fantastical atmosphere over the Saiku ruins at night.

Related Information

• Saiou Matsuri Official Website: The official source for the latest festival information and public recruitment for the Saiou role, managed by the Saiou Matsuri Executive Committee.
• Kanko Mie Report: A detailed article explaining the history and highlights of the Saiou Festival, particularly the evolution of the procession and the selection process.
• Wikipedia 'Saiou Matsuri': A comprehensive page listing the history of Saiou roles, public recruitment roles, and related merchandise, including the OG group 'Komachi' collaboration salt candy.
• OMATSURI NAVI: An English-friendly festival search site providing an English explanation of the Saiou Festival and access information, including the phone number 0596-52-0054.
• Jalan.net Event Information: A concise summary of basic information, including date, time, location, access, and organizer.
• Meiwa Town Official Website (Saioh Data Page): Contains details about the night-before festival's stage lighting, over 100 stalls, and the volunteer-run nature of the festival, as well as explanations of the conditions under which the Saiou's role ends.

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