May 24
~
May 25

Mantō Mitama Festival

Free

The Mantō Mitama Matsuri is an annual festival for the enshrined deity of Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, a guardian of peace.

What happens?

Around 2,000 lanterns will be hung and 100 shrine maidens (miko in Japanese) will perform a traditional marriage dance. There will also be a kagura performance — a type of ceremonial shinto dance.

Schedule

The festival will start at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The shrine maiden dance will only be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, along with some yosakoi dance performance. Children’s sumo will take place on Sunday at 10 a.m. and kagura dance performances will be held on Sunday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Suggested Activity
Go Bar Hopping in Osaka [With Full Dinner]
Spend an evening exploring the bars in Osaka's popular nightlife district of Namba. Sample tasty Japanese pub-style food, and wash it down with your choice of drinks, from sake to umeshu and beer — all in the company of a knowledgeable guide!

How to get there

The shrine is held in the precincts of Hiroshima Castle, which is easily accessed on foot, by bus, or by tram from almost anywhere in central Hiroshima.

Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.

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