Okinami Tairyou Matsuri 2026 Experience
The Okinami Tairyou Matsuri in Okinami, Anamizu Town is a fishing community festival known for its daytime sea ritual. On the second day, Kiriko are carried into the shallow waters of Tatedo Beach, with participants wading up to their chests. The ritual is performed to pray for abundant catches and safety at sea.
A Brief History
The origins of the “Okinami Tairyou Matsuri” are closely linked to Okinami Suwa Shrine, where the main deity is traditionally regarded as a drifting deity who arrived from the sea. The shrine is also said to be a branch shrine of Morohashi Inari Shrine in Anamizu. This local tradition is reflected in the festival’s sea ritual. Kiriko are carried into the water for misogi, or ritual purification, as prayers are offered for a good catch and safety at sea.
Festival Experience
Coming from Suzu, it takes about an hour by car to reach Okinami. We arrived a little before 10 AM. The moment we set foot in the area, signs of the festival were already everywhere. Lanterns were hanging in front of houses, and the sound of drums became louder as we approached the festival area.
Surprisingly, we were already a little late. The article we had read said that the Kiriko would be carried into the sea at around 10 AM, but by 9:40 AM, only one Kiriko remained on the sandy area. The other four Kiriko were already lined up about 20 meters away from the beach.
The last Kiriko was then carried toward the sea while the drummer sitting inside continued to strike the taiko. After reaching the gathering point, the Kiriko seemed to take a short break.
Afterwards, the Kiriko began moving in a circular procession. The sounds of taiko drums, flutes, and the shouts of the carriers filled the area. The chant “Yassai, Yassai!” could be heard as the Kiriko moved through the sea.
