I had the chance to visit the Misakubo Festival, a unique and historic event in the Tenryu Misakubo in Tenryu-ku. It was one of the most fun and memorable experiences I have ever had in Japan.
The Misakubo Festival is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday of September, to pray for health, success, road safety, and a bountiful harvest, and to thank the local Shinto deity. The highlight of the festival is the costume contest, where many teams from inside and outside the town participate in various performances, such as singing, dancing, and comedy skits in front of judges.
The costumes are amazing, ranging from traditional to modern, from cute to scary, from realistic to absurd. The men walking around wearing lingerie made me laugh so hard that I almost cried.
The festival also has other attractions, such as a parade of the portable shrine (mikoshi) and a sacred dance (kagura) at the shrine during the day. These events showcase the local culture and history of the area. We didn't stay until night, but at night, there was a spectacular fireworks display over the gorge, which they said created a beautiful contrast between the dark sky and the sparkling water.
One of the best things about going to the Misakubo Festival was the drive to the charming town of Misakubo. The journey was beautiful, with lush green trees and peaceful scenery of green-blueish water all around. The road was surrounded by green mountains and blue sky.
We were passing by the Akiha Dam, which is a huge concrete structure that supplies water and electricity to the nearby power stations. The Akiha Dam was especially impressive, as it had several spillways that released water into the river below. I stopped by a lookout point to take some photos of the dam and the surrounding landscape.
Akiha Dam provides water for hydroelectric power. The dam was very impressive and created a large reservoir that sparkled in the sun.
What made the Misakubo Festival truly special was the sense of community. Families and friends gathered to enjoy the festival together. There was laughter, smiles, and a feeling of togetherness that warmed my heart.
For more information about the Misakubo festival, go to Misakubo Festival | iN HAMAMATSU.COM. I highly recommend checking out the Misakubo Festival – it's a day filled with joy and unforgettable memories.
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