Tochigi Tochigi
July 23 (Wednesday) - 25 (Friday), 2025 <Held every year during the same period>
■ July 23 (Wednesday)
Shutsuo Festival
■ July 24 (Thursday)
Gosinke Chodai Ceremony
■ July 25 (Friday)
Kangan Festival
Gojoran
Mashiko Gion Festival
益子祇園祭
The Mashiko Gion Festival began in 1705 to subdue the spread of disease and pray for a bountiful harvest. The festival is managed on a rotational basis by five neighborhood associations in the parish district and is held as a ritual of Yasaka Shrine. The main events of the festival include the procession of portable shrines and the "Gosinke Chodai Ceremony," designated as a folk cultural asset by the town. The "Gosinke Chodai Ceremony" is particularly known as one of the three major bizarre festivals in the Kanto region. The finale of the festival includes the "Gojoran," an offering of food carts to the deity.
When visiting, you can enjoy a variety of traditional ceremonies and sacred events centered around Kashima Shrine. The "Gosinke Chodai Ceremony" is a must-see, offering a valuable experience that allows you to feel the history from the Edo period. Also, don't miss the grand "Gojoran" on the final day.
The festival is filled with an atmosphere of local tradition and vibrancy, making it an attractive event for tourists. Visitors can enjoy a sacred experience while having an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture.
Place:Kashima Shrine
Transportation:【Train】About 10 minutes on foot from Mashiko Station on the Moka Railway 【Bus】About 70 minutes by Kanto Bus from JR Utsunomiya Station to "Kashima Shrine-mae" 【Express Bus】About 2 hours 30 minutes by Ibaraki Kotsu Express Bus "Kanto Yaki mono Liner" from Akihabara Station to "Mashiko Station", about 10 minutes on foot 【Car】About 20 minutes from Kita-Kanto Expressway Sakura Chikusei IC 【Car】About 25 minutes from Kita-Kanto Expressway Moka IC
Contact:【祭事のこと】鹿島神社 TEL 0285-72-6221 【祭事以外のこと】益子町観光協会 TEL 0285-70-1120