Otani no Aki Matsuri 2026 Experience
The Otani Autumn Festival takes place in the mountain and coastal settlements of Otani, Suzu. The festival begins with rituals for the mikoshi before the Kiriko join the procession through town. The smaller scale of the festival today also reflects the challenges facing the community, with fewer Kiriko and shorter celebrations than in the past.
A Brief History
Traditionally celebrated over two days on the second weekend of September, the festival follows a route through the settlements along the Otani River. The Kiriko are accompanied by distinctive flute and taiko music, with different musical patterns used while moving, stopping, and returning to each community after entering the shrine. The second day traditionally features a mikoshi procession and lion dancing.
Festival Experience
Arriving in Otani
The Otani Kiriko Matsuri was scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM, but the Kiriko were already on the move when we arrived. There was a light rain at the time, but it did not seem to stop the festival.
On the way to the shrine, we passed through mountain areas where the effects of the 2024 earthquake were still very visible. Some houses damaged by the earthquake were still standing but appeared to have been abandoned. What was once a more populated area had become large stretches of grassland.
I also noticed how compact the Otani Shrine was. It became the center of the day’s festival activities.
Mikoshi Ritual
The festival officially began around 12:30 PM with a mikoshi ritual that lasted for about an hour. The ceremony included prayers for the three different areas of Otani.
After the mikoshi rites were completed, the mikoshi joined the Kiriko and the procession began.
Kiriko Procession
There were two Kiriko taking part in this year’s festival. We were told that the number had been reduced from previous years, mainly because there were not enough people available to carry and accompany the Kiriko throughout the procession.
The Kiriko moved around the Otani area with the sounds of taiko drums and flutes. The procession also included several stops where the carriers could take a break and local residents could gather and interact with one another.
Although the festival was smaller than some of the other Kiriko festivals we had attended, it was interesting to see how the procession still brought people together within the community.
We decided to call it a day at around 2 PM and left Otani after watching the beginning of the Kiriko procession.
