＼ It's not too late! ／ .
The Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival, which marks the beginning of summer in Shonai, is finally approaching.
This traditional festival in Tsuruoka is held in late May each year, centering on Tsuruoka Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a well-known god of learning.
The parade of yatai floats paraded through the city to the beat of taiko drums, the portable shrines carried strongly, the lion dance and kagura quietly dedicated to the gods....
The charm of the Tenjin Festival lies in the fact that it has a certain core beauty amidst its liveliness.
“Let's go for a spin!” It's not too late!
The event will be held in the center of the city, so it is easily accessible and only a 10-minute walk from Guest House Watasagi, so you can easily join the event like a stroll!
In this article, we will carefully introduce the history of Tenjin Matsuri, its highlights, and how to enjoy the festival on the day of the festival, in an easy-to-understand manner for first-time visitors.
It is a two-day festival that will make you think, "Tradition is so familiar to me.
What is the Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival? ｜History and Origin
The Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival is a traditional event held annually in late May as the annual festival of Tsuruoka Tenmangu Shrine in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The origin of the festival dates back to the Edo period when the Sakai family, lords of the Shonai domain, divided the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto and enshrined it in Shonai.
Michizane was active in the fields of learning and politics during the Heian period (794-1185), and is well known throughout the country as the "God of Learning.
It is said that when he was left to Dazaifu after his unfortunate death, many people regretted his talent and character and built shrines in various places to worship him.
The Tenjin Festival in Tsuruoka also began with such people's wishes and developed into a grand festival under the protection of the feudal lords during the Edo period (1603-1868).
This event, in which each town sets up its own food stalls, portable shrines parade, and Shinto music and lion dances are dedicated, is truly the “pride of Shonai”.
Even today, the local neighborhood associations and children take the lead in making the festival a lively event, and it has been passed down as a summer tradition rooted in the community.
Highlights (1): “Yatai parade” where you can feel the energy of the children and the bond of the town.
One of the highlights of the Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival is the “yatai parade,” in which floats from each town parade lively through the city to the sound of drums and flutes.
These yatai are not mere "decorations. It is a “moving stage” where local children beat drums and people of the town call out to each other as they move forward in unison.
Each stall has its own unique decorations and sounds, and the gorgeous cloth curtains, swaying lanterns, and rhythmic drumbeats in the summer breeze make the festival look like a picture scroll.
If you want to see the festival, we recommend that you stop and watch the performance at intersections or in front of shopping streets.
Clap along, take pictures, and experience the warmth of the local community.
Adults warmly squinting at the children's hard work
Such scenes are also an important part of the festival.
Highlights (2) “Mikoshi-togyo” (portable shrine procession), where the shouts of the performers are so moving that it makes one's heart tremble
Another must-see event is the “Mikoshi Togyo,” a parade of portable shrines that parade through the city with a heroic call to arms.
In the afternoon, children's portable shrines are energetic, and in the evening, adult portable shrines make their appearance with great enthusiasm and power.
SOYA! SOYA! and the sight of the participants carrying the portable shrines with their sweat pouring down their backs is so powerful that it makes one's heart flutter even just to watch it.
Especially on the route from in front of the Tsuruoka Station through the central district, the mood of the festival reaches its climax with the cheering of the spectators along the route.
The mikoshi is carried by the local youth group and volunteers from the town.
When I see familiar neighbors rocking the mikoshi with serious expressions on their faces, I get a warm feeling that this festival is deeply rooted in this town.
The best viewing spots are at intersections in the city center or in the plaza in front of the shrine.
The weight of the festival on your shoulders and the sense of unity as you walk in unison with your fellow participants...
You can feel the “spirit” of the festival in the backs of the bearers.
Highlights ③｜“Dedication of Traditional Performing Arts” to be enjoyed in peace and quiet
Behind the lively stalls and portable shrines of the Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival, the traditional performing arts that have been handed down from generation to generation are also carefully passed down to the next generation.
Of particular note are the lion dances and **Kagura** dedications.
In and around the grounds of Tsuruoka Tenmangu Shrine, dancers dressed in white perform slow dances to the accompaniment of flutes and drums.
The quiet and dignified atmosphere is as if time is passing slowly. It is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling festival.
The local preservation society plays a central role in the annual dedication, and the weight and preciousness of “continuing” oozes from their appearance.
Time to “feel” rather than “see”.
Please spend such a quiet moment as if to adjust your mind.
Highlight 4: “Haunted Monster Festival” where people hide their faces and make wishes.
Another specialty of the Tenjin Festival is the somewhat strange and unique "Haunted Monster Festival.
The participants wear long underwear with a flower-patterned obi sash, a tenugui (hand towel) that completely covers their faces, and a woven hat. They carry a sake cup and a sake jug in their hands, and silently serve local sake to people along the route.
The appearance of the shrine is actually based on a legend that when Michizane was transferred to Dazaifu, his admirers hid their identities and secretly saw him off.
It is said that if you can visit the shrine for three years without anyone knowing your identity, your wish will come true, and it has become a popular event for both locals and tourists.
Costume rentals are limited to a whopping first 500 pieces!
For a slightly different experience, check it out!
👉 For more information, please visit this article!
📖 📖 The Complete Guide to the Bakemono Festival｜A Quiet and Strange Festival to Make a Wish ←Link to be inserted later✨
Eating and Nighttime Fun｜Tastes of Tsuruoka to be found at night stalls
When the sun goes down, the Tenjin Festival takes on a different look.
The lanterns are lit and the streets are lined with food stalls. A nostalgic scene unfolds.
Gourmet foods such as croquettes made with Dadacha-mame (a specialty of Shonai), savory grilled Shonai pork skewers, and popular local craft beers are also available!
There are also stalls for children to enjoy, such as traditional shaved ice and chocolate bananas.
Put on a yukata and walk around, savoring the night of the festival little by little...
Such “town walking” is perhaps the other best part of the Tenjin Festival.
Shrines at night are different from those during the daytime.
With the illuminated shrine pavilions in the background, this is a moment when you can become a little more "special.
This is the best time to take pictures 📸✨.
Access & How to Spend the Day Guide
The main venues for the festival are Tsuruoka Tenmangu Shrine (3-40 Shinmei-cho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture) and the surrounding urban area.
● Access by public transportation
15 min. walk from JR Tsuruoka Stn.
Extra buses and traffic restrictions may be in place on the day of the festival, so it is recommended to check in advance!
From the 📍 guesthouse “Watasagi”?
It takes about 10 minutes on foot.
You can easily access it by simply going straight down the shopping street route and feel the atmosphere of the festival as you stroll along.â
It's the perfect distance to leave your luggage at the inn and wander out in your yukata 👘✨.
By car
Temporary parking will be available in the vicinity, but it may fill up early.
Since the area around the venue will be a pedestrian zone, it is better to park a short distance away and walk.
Restrooms and rest areas
Temporary restrooms will be set up on the shrine grounds and near the shopping area.
Those with small children can take advantage of the commercial facilities in front of the station.
For those who use Watasagi, it is also a safe point to go back for a short break or change of clothes ◎.
Summary｜Festival to experience the “warmth” that has been passed down from generation to generation
The Tsuruoka Tenjin Matsuri does not have flashy performances or big fireworks.
But there is a warmth and pride that comes from a festival created by the people of the town.
The sound of taiko drums, the shouts of portable shrines, the sound of flutes, the smiling faces walking around in yukata....
All of them seem to reflect the history that has been nurtured in the community and the thoughts of the people living in the present.
And for those of you who think, “I'd like to go,” there is still time!
Guesthouse Watasagi, a 10-minute walk from the festival site, is now accepting accommodation reservations.
Why don't you stay in the town and enjoy the festival slowly like the locals?
We are waiting for you with the perfect place to make your summer memories 🐰🎐.
Click here for details and reservation page.
In the next article, we will also introduce a slightly mysterious and fun “Haunted Monster Festival,” so please look forward to that as well!
👉【Related Article】Hide your face and make a wish... What is the “Haunted Monster Festival”? 👉[Related Article] For more information and to register for the Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival, click here 👉[Related Article] If you want to eat a haunted bento, click here.
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