飛騨神岡祭
Every Spring, Kamioka town celebrates the Hida Kamioka Festival, which is known as one of the “Three Great Festivals of Hida.” Although this festival takes place throughout the Kamioka city area, its main events are connected to Otsu Shrine, Hakusan Shrine, and Asora Hachimangu Shrine.
On the fourth Saturday of April, it is said that the local shrine deities come to visit Kamioka’s streets. In response, the city’s residents offer sacred sake and perform traditional dances. A procession begins at noon and leaves Otsu Shrine and comes to the Kamioka city area. This parade of 700 people fills the town streets with the sounds of flutes and drums, lion and kagura dancing, brightly colored costumes, and portable shrines carried by shrine bearers.
The festival is an all-day event that evokes elegance during the day and a palpable frenzy of excitement by night. Also, given the time of year, visitors have opportunities to enjoy the region’s cherry blossoms along with the festivities.
| Dates | 27th April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Held annually - fourth Saturday of April |
| Access | Due to sparse public transportation into Kamioka, driving is the most convenient travel option. The drive is about 30 minutes from Hida-Furukawa Station via Route 41. |
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