You can enjoy the festival in the following areas:
1. Tsuchizaki-Shimmei Shrine
[July 20] Gosha-Mairi around noon and Yoimiya festival at 18:00
[July 21] Reisai festival at 11:00
Around noon on July 20, the Hikiyamas (the festival floats) from each district are brought to and dedicated to the Tsuchizaki-shinmei shrine. Following the Yoimiya festival in the evening and the Reisai festival on the following day before noon, the departure of Mikoshis (portable shrine-like carriages for the god) from the shrine is celebrated.
2. Otabisho at Kokubo-cho
[July 21] Otabisho festival at 12:00
Mikoshis gather at Kokubo-cho and the Otabisho festival is held to welcome them.
3. Honcho Street
[July 21] Miyuki-yama in the afternoon
Hikiyamas form a line to leave Kokubo-cho and travel to Sozen-cho. The gallant music of Minato-bayashi is played in a lively manner, and dances are performed in the street.
4. From Sozen-machi to Honcho Street
[July 21] Modori-yama from 20:00–24:00
After arriving at Sozen-machi, the Hikiyamas will turn around to return to each district. Modori-yama is the biggest event that is held during the Hikiyama rituals.
5. Tsuchizaki-Minato History Museum
Exhibits of Hikiyamas are available throughout the year.
You can learn about the flow of the Hikiyama rituals and can experience them through panels, photographs, and short movies.
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00
Closed on: Tuesdays, Year-end, and New Year’s holidays
Entrance fee: Free
Tel: 018-838-4244
Access: From Akita station, take the Ou honsen line or the Oga line to Tsuchizaki station. You can walk to points 1, 3, or 5 (on the map) in less than fifteen minutes.
For more details, call Tsuchizaki Minato Festival Committee (Tel: 018-845-2264) or the Northern Civic Service Center (Tel: 018-893-5707).
