Seasonal Event Calendar　／　熊野的岁时记

January 6th Ooma Shrine annual festival (every year on the same day)
Place: Ooma Shrine (Ido-cho Ooma)
Time: 08: 30 purification ceremony (cleansing body in the river)
10:30 Shinto Rituals
11:00 Yumihiki  (Shooting arrows)
11:30 Mochihori (Mochi throwing)
Ooma Shrine is an old shrine which dates back to the year 809CE, around the beginning of the Heian Period. Within Kumano, it is the oldest shrine after Hana no Iwaya and Nigishima’s Muroko and Akoshi shrines. Legend states that Sakanoueno Tamuramaro defeated an enemy, took his position and built the shrine.
Every year a festival takes place at the shrine. The Shrine Parishioner in Ido-cho chooses an overseer who will preside over the festival. The overseer will choose two young men for each of the rituals. The rituals include Yumihiki, arrow shooting, and Yumitori, arrow retrieving. The Yumihiki festival is held every year on January 6th to pray for a year of peace. To complete the ritual the two young men chosen for each ritual must complete a purification ceremony. They must undress inside the shrine and cleanse themselves in the nearby river. After the purification ceremony, those chosen will adorn special attire. Those completing the Yumihiki ritual will wear an ancient ceremonial court robe and black lacquered head gear. Those completing the Yumitori ritual will wear a white robe. The ritual is conducted facing the main shrine and straw in laid down over the area where the ritual is performed. 12 arrows are released 6 times. The target is placed at a distance of 15 meters and is 90 cm in dimension.

Ichijou Temple, Good Fortune Daruma Fair
When: Held every year on the second Friday and Saturday in January
Time: 10:00 signal gun
Place of prayer: Ichijouji (Ichijou Temple)
In this ceremony, people pray for a year of luck to Darumas of all sizes. People also gather to pray for friends and relatives, school success, and for children to pass examinations. It is said that one of the seven deities of good luck and Vaisravana (guardian god of Buddhism) are enshrined at Ichijou Temple and will grant prayers for happiness, prosperity and treasure.
※ Although the event used to be held annually on the 7th of January, starting in 2013, the event has been held for two days near a holiday in the middle of January.
“Hechima Fuuji”
In Ichijou Temple, "Hechima Fuuji", or Sealed Cucumber, is held in late September on the night of a full moon. People write their names or names of loved ones and the name of an illness that afflicts them on a sponge gourd or cucumber. They then pray to the gourd or cucumber. The gourd or cucumber which received the prayer is then taken home and planted in a pot or garden in hopes that the disease or illness will be cured.

Ubuta Shrine Grand Festival
Every year on January 10
10:00: Reception for Shinto Offerings (“Houhan”)
12:00: Archery Ritual at Ubuta Shrine (Arima-Cho)
 
   Ubuta Shrine is known as the place where Goddess Izanami no Mikoto gave birth to Kagutsuchi in “The Chronicles of Japan.” In the chronicles, Izanami no Mikoto is known as the god of easy childbirth and child-rearing, so every year, on January 10, the healthy growth and safe delivery of children are celebrated at the Ubuta Shrine Grand Festival.
   Festival attendees will receive offerings known as “houhan.” “Houhan” is specific food eaten so children will grow up strong, such as soup mixed with rice, a fillet of saury sushi, “akai” (fresh fish with chili peppers), and saké.
   Izanami made her children eat saury sushi so they would grow up strong, hence Ubuta Shrine is known as the birthplace of saury sushi.

Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine Spring Festival
Every year on February 2
10:00 Purification Rite (A shrine parishioner climbs the mountain for purification.)
10:30 “Changing of the Rope” Urayasu Dance and Maidens’ Dance
11:30 Closing Ceremony and Mochi Throwing
 
Location: Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine (Arima-Cho)
 
Japan's oldest shrine, "Hana-no-Iwaya," is the tomb of Izanami no Mikoto, the mother of gods mentioned in “The Chronicles of Japan.” As the birthplace of the Kumano Sanzan and a source of Japan’s ancient faith, Hana-no-Iwaya is a very important Shinto Shrine.
During this festival, a large rope approximately 166-meters long is tied from the top of Hana-no-Iwaya’s sacred cliff, at 45 meters high, to Shichirimihama Beach. This ritual, called “Otsuna Kake Shinji” (Mie Prefecture Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Assets), is an act of prayer for a huge harvest and has been handed down from ancient times to receive the grace of god.
In addition to this, the shrine practices “Oshirasu-Hiki” at the fall festival. In “Oshirasu-Hiki,” holy white stones are laid on a small “danjiri” and pulled to the shrine alongside intermittent dances.
■ For more information, please visit Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine’s home page.

Kobune Plum Festival
End of February - Beginning of March, on a designated Sunday
 9:00 Opening (karaoke, local entertainment)
14:50 Mochi Throwing
15:00 Closing
 Location: Kobune Plum Grove (Kiwa-Cho, Kobune)
 Covering approximately 1.2 hectares (12,000 square meters), the Kobune Plum Grove has about 700 plum trees that are 30 years old. During the Kobune Plum Festival, Kishu and Kumano local specialities are sold including: various bento, sushi, mochi, vegetables, pickled plums, miso, saso konjac, sweets, dried fish, amago, noodles, drinks, and more.  Lastly, hometown folk dances, Soran, and songs are performed on the stage.

Youji Yakushi Festival
Every year on March 18 (During leap year, March 17)
 9:00 Prayer Begins (Prayer at any time after 9am is permitted.)
14:00 Mochi Throwing
Location: Youji-Yakushido (Youji, Kiwa-Cho)
According to legend, in approximately 1160 (during the Eiryaku era), the religious leader Goshirakawa declared Youji Yakushido as a “Headache-Recovery Temple” after being able to cure his own headache here. It is said that if visitors have a headache, the eyes, nose, throat, neck, and other parts of the head will receive divine favor through prayer at this temple. Every year during the Youji Yakushi Festival, the temple becomes crowded with people seeking divine favor.
 In folklore, when Goshirakawa fell ill with a serious headache, he had a revelation in a dream that if he built a temple using a willow tree from Kumano as a ridge beam, he could recover from his headache. A willow tree more than 10 meters tall (according to one theory, more than 40 meters tall) was moved to the capital of Kyoto and used as the ridge beam in Rengeouin-Hondou. Soon after Rengeouin-Hondou (commonly known as Sanjusangendo) was built, Goshirakawa recovered. Like Youji-Yakushido, Rengeouin-Hondou is known as a “Headache-Recovery Temple.”

Komori Cherry Blossom Festival
Late March - first Sunday in April
10:00: Opening (karaoke, local entertainment)
14:45: Mochi Throwing
15:00: Closing
Location: Komori Park  (Komori, Kiwa-Cho)
Komori Dam Park is located on the border of Nara Prefecture. Every year about 500 cherry trees bloom, transforming the secluded mountain village into a gorgeous display of flowers. Alongside the blossoms, karaoke and a farmer’s market are held, as well as song and taiko performances.

Home of the Nachi Black Stone,  Kumano Kamikawa Cherry Blossom Festival
First Sunday in April
10:00: Opening (singing contest, local entertainment, and song performances)
15:00 Closing
Location: Former Kamikawa Junior High School (Kamikawa, Kamikawa-Cho)
Known as Japan’s only producer of Nachi Black Stones, the Kamikawa region started its cherry blossom festival in 1988 to publicize the stones. The festival covers the area around Nanairo Dam and is held when approximately 1,500 Yoshino Cherry Trees are in full bloom.

Swim! Koinobori Display
April 29, 2016 (Friday) - May 8, 2016 (Sunday)
Location: Shichirimihama Beach (Kinomoto-Cho and Ido-Cho)
On Shichirimihama Beach, spanning 1-kilometer from “Shishiiwa” (the Lion Rock) to the intersection in front of Kumanoshi Train Station, approximately 200 carp streamers are flown to welcome people visiting for the holidays. Community members organized the “Koinobori no Kai” display for the 30th time in 2014, which has become a Golden Week tradition in Kumano.

Oh! Fish Kumano-Nada Hobai Festival
Every year on May 4 (rain or shine)
Time: 10:00 - 15:00
Location: Around Nigishima Fishing Harbor (Nigishima)
In Kumano City, Nigishima-Cho’s Fishing Cooperative Branch annually holds this sea-themed event during Golden Week. Attendees can experience riding a sekibune ship and attempt the popular sea tightrope challenge in the harbor, as well as enjoy the beer garden and flea market for local products under the covered area.

Maruyama Senmaida Torch Procession
Time: 18:00 to 20:30
Maruyama Senmaida’s torch procession to drive away crop-eating insects was held every year until 1953, and was then revived in 2004 when the Kumano Kodo was recognized as a World Heritage Site. In 2009, 1,000 torches were lit at the terraced fields, and in 2010 the number of torches expanded to 1,340, creating a fairytale-like scene. The Maruyama Senmaida Torch Procession has since become an annual summer event.
Starting last year, in an attempt to acquaint more people with Maruyama Senmaida, participation in the parade, help with candles, and volunteer staff have been invited.
During the procession, “Mushi okuri dono no ondoori yoi~” is enthusiastically sung to the beat of bells and drums. Additionally, paper lanterns were added last year. Participants march from Maruyama Shrine to the large boulder, and owners of the rice fields line up amulets between the rice fields in hope of a good harvest this year.

Kiwa Fire Festival
First Saturday of every August
Location: Ogawakuchi River Terrace (Ogawakuchi, Kiwa-cho)
Despite temporarily ending, the Kiwa Fire Festival was revived in 1989. Since then, every year attendees have been able to enjoy the "Pillar Festival," Kitayama Cannon, summer festival fireworks, and more. During the main “Pillar Festival,” attendees attempt to throw a flaming lantern into a bamboo basket (attached to a 20-meter high pillar) by spinning the lantern’s attached string. This traditional activity has been handed down from the olden days.

Kii Peninsula Taiko Festival "Kyōko in Kumano"
First Sunday of every August (light rain or shine)
Location: Memorial Shopping Street (Kinen-dōri, Kinomoto-Cho)
Taiko teams from all over the Kii Peninsula come together to perform on the outdoor stage. (In addition, local products are exhibited.) The goal of the event is to foster exchange and friendship for citizens all over, as well as to publicize Kumano. Each year taiko organizations from every part of the Kii Peninsula are invited to perform. Memorial Shopping Street is closed to cars and becomes lively with the start of taiko performances and the night market.
Related Links: “Kyōko in Kumano” Home Page

Kumano Fireworks Festival
Every year on August 17
Time: 19:00 to 21:30
Location: Shichirimihama Beach (Kinomoto-Cho, Ido-Cho, Arima-Cho)
Originating as a memorial service for departed souls, the Kumano Fireworks Festival is the largest fireworks festival in the Kishu region at 10,000 fireworks launched. The famously potent fireworks capitalise on Kumano’s rich nature and open up onto the night sky and the Kumano Sea, such as the display at Onigajo and the self-destructing fireworks on the water’s surface. Thunderous roars from the fireworks reverberate off of Onigajo’s cliffs, which are characteristic to sea fireworks. Since these fireworks are not available elsewhere, every year tens of thousands of people come from all over the country to see the show.
Related Links: Kumano Fireworks Festival

Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine Autumn Festival
October 2: Festival Schedule
10:00 Purification Rite: A shrine parishioner climbs the mountain for purification.
10:30 “Changing of the Rope” Urayasu Dance and Maidens’ Dance
11:30 Closing Ceremony and Mochi Throwing
Location: Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine (Arima-Cho)
Japan's oldest shrine, "Hana-no-Iwaya," is the tomb of Izanami no Mikoto, the mother of gods mentioned in “The Chronicles of Japan.” As the birthplace of the Kumano Sanzan and a source of Japan’s ancient faith, Hana-no-Iwaya is a very important Shinto Shrine.
During this festival, a large rope approximately 166-meters long is tied from the top of Hana-no-Iwaya’s sacred cliff, at 45 meters high, to Shichirimihama Beach. This ritual, called “Otsuna Kake Shinji” (Mie Prefecture Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Assets), is an act of prayer for a huge harvest and has been handed down from ancient times to receive the grace of god.
For more information, please visit the Hana-no-Iwaya home page.

Kinomoto Shrine Annual Festival
Scheduled for the second Sunday in October.
During the Edo era, Kinomoto-Cho (the Kishū Tokugawa Clan’s original domain)   flourished after it was established as the inner-Kumano prefectural government site and the center of the Kumano Region (from east of the Kumano River to Kihoku-Cho, Kitamuro District in Mie Prefecture).
Kinomoto Shrine’s annual festival has been celebrated since the move of “Waka-Ichi-Ouji-Gongen.”
“Waka-Ichi-Ouji-Gongen” (Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess honored at Ise Grand Shrine) and its sacred treasures were moved from Kumano’s Shinden District to it’s current place at Kinomoto Shrine in 1608 (year 13 of the Keihou era). The sign marking this change can still be seen today at the shrine.
During the festival, many portable shrines such as “danjiri” (from all districts of Kinomoto) and “mikoshi” (also known as “Violent Mikoshi”) are paraded together throughout Kinomoto.

Beach and Marine Sports Festival in Atashika
With water so clear it’s transparent, to the beautiful coastline, Tategasaki, and the starting point of the ocean crags, this strikingly picturesque scenery extends into the sea surrounding Kumano City. This is the setting for the Beach and Marine Sports Festival in Atashika.
Atashika Beach and Shichirimihama Beach are listed by the Ministry of Environment and the Japan Fisheries Association respectively as part of the top 100 beaches in the country. The Beach and Marine Sports Festival was started with the goal of expanding the hospitality industry and sea kayak programs in the area.
■ For more information, please visit the home page.

Kiwa Furusato Matsuri
Every year on November 3
Location: In the vicinity of B&G Marine Center (Itaya, Kiwa-Cho)
During the early days of the Show era, the copper mines around Itaya, Kiwa-Cho flourished. Throughout this prosperity, the mining staff and the community came together every year on November 3 to hold the“Yamagami Festival.” However, after the copper mines closed in 1978, the event became the “Flowering Trees Festival” and the “Industry Festival.” Since then, to show love for the region, improve the culture, promote the region, and encourage people to participate in the community, the festival has currently become the “Hometown Festival.”

Omori Shrine Annual Festival (Unrefined Saké Festival)
Every year on November 23
10:00 Shinto Ritual
12:00 Saké Tasting and Festival Entertainment
14:30 Mochi Toss
Location: Omori Shrine (Ogawa, Ikusei-Cho)
Every year at Omori Shrine, the annual Grand Festival uses brewed, unrefined, saké for a Shinto ritual. Then, the unrefined saké is served to visitors. Encircled by a grove of cedar trees and a clear stream on the temple grounds, festival attendees can relax under the canopy, drink, and be merry.