#Japan #Tokyo #community spirit #Kumano Festival #Abe no Seimei

Kumano Festival 2023: A Celebration of Joy and Tradition

The Kumano Festival, titled "Ureshii, Tanoshii, Arigatai! Kumano Matsuri!" will take place from September 16 to 26, 2023. This engaging festival showcases various cultural events, food stalls, and spiritual observances at the Kumano Shrine, which has a rich history tied to the legendary onmyoji, Abe no Seimei.

Festival Schedule of Events

• - September 16 (Wednesday): The grand Reitaisai ceremony at 16:00. This is the most significant event of the festival, where local community members and shrine visitors gather to honor the deities.

• - September 17 (Thursday): A special Uma no Hi event allowing pet blessings from 9:00 to 16:00. As a shrine known for its divine horses, attendees can bring their pets to pray for their health and safety for a donation of 3000 yen.

• - September 19 (Saturday): The 8th Kumano Children's Festival from 10:00 to 16:00 will allow children to interact with ponies and participate in activities such as magic shows and a drawing booth. Entry is free. The Ichiryu Manbai charms will be distributed from 9:00 to 16:00 on this day.

• - September 20 (Sunday): The Onmyodo Fortune-Telling Festival from 10:00 to 16:00, featuring renowned fortune teller, Mr. Otatake Keido, whose predictions are highly praised. This event requires a fee.

• - September 21 (Monday, Respect for the Aged Day): The Kumano Shrine Bon Odori Dance from 17:00 to 20:00, where original dance music will encourage all ages to enjoy and participate.

• - September 22 (Tuesday, National Holiday): A presentation of Kagura dances by the Tokyo Kagura Yoshifuku group (time TBD).

• - September 23 (Wednesday, Autumn Equinox Day): The 4th Kumano Shrine's Nodojiman Karaoke Competition will be held from 15:30 to 19:30, inviting participants for a full chorus performance. Various prizes, including shopping vouchers, will be awarded. Participation is free.

• - September 25 (Friday): A Mid-Autumn Moon Viewing Festival at 19:00, celebrating the beauty of the moon with performances by guest artists. This event has a fee of 5000 yen.

• - September 26 (Saturday): The Commemoration of Abe no Seimei at 17:00, honoring the legacy of the influential onmyoji. This event is attended by many to pay respects as it commemorates the 1021st anniversary of his passing.

Food and Enjoyment

During the festival, from September 19 to 23, food stalls featuring gourmet delicacies will operate from 11:00 to 21:00 each day, providing a feast of flavors for festival-goers to enjoy.

Join Us

The Kumano Festival is not just about celebrations but also a return to community ties. As many community gatherings have been affected over the past years, this festival emphasizes the importance of shared moments and joy. We invite everyone from children to the elderly to enjoy the array of activities. Most events are offered at no cost to ensure wide participation.

For the latest updates and information regarding the festival, please check our official website, X, and Instagram accounts as all events are subject to change due to weather conditions.

The Kumano Shrine has been a place of gathering, offering a sense of community and continuity through the ages. By participating in the Kumano Festival, you embrace traditions while revitalizing communal bonds. Come and join us in celebrating the joy, fun, and gratitude we hold dear!