Young men wearing women’s clothes, monkey and tengu (long-nosed goblin) masks walk around the village wielding Japanese halberds and spears. It is said that if you are touched by these weapons, you can get divine grace.
“Oiseko” is originally a community to collect money for visiting Ise Jingu Shrine. Around the Edo period people dreamed of visiting the shrine, but traveling to Ise city in Mie prefecture cost a lot and people couldn't afford it. Therefore the community was established. People decided who goes to the shrine by lots or by turns. Later, people built a shrine in the area and started to have a festival instead.
Start |
Feb. 11, 2015 * National holiday |
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Address | Minami-satsuma city |
Place | Kataura area / Oura area |
Fee | Admission fee: free |
Contact |
Minami-satsuma City Kyoiku Iinkai TEL: 0993-53-2111 |