Myousenji Kiriko Matsuri 2026 Experience
The Myousenji Kiriko Matsuri is best known for its unusual backward-moving Kiriko procession, performed as a sign of respect for the deity. Taking place on August 15 and 16 in Myosenji, Anamizu Town, the festival features a 9-meter white-wood Kiriko decorated with numerous tanzaku paper strips. The Kiriko accompanies the mikoshi from Hakuchi Shrine to its temporary resting place.
A Brief History
The Myousenji Kiriko Festival is closely connected to Hakuchi Shrine and Myosenji Temple. The temple is traditionally believed to have been founded in 652, during the Nara period, and is also associated with Kuukai (Koubou Daishi). The festival once featured a 9-meter Kiriko being carried up the steep stone steps of Hakuchi Shrine alongside the mikoshi. This tradition has since ended due to a shortage of people to carry the Kiriko.
Festival Experience
Unfortunately, we were not able to see the Kiriko for the Myousenji Kiriko Matsuri this year.
According to a local we spoke with, only the Mikoshi would appear this year. Although we were unable to see the Kiriko, it was still interesting to visit the town and learn about the festival pushing through this year.
