Oct 14
~
Oct 15

Nada no Kenka Festival

Free

The Nada no Kenka Matsuri is a fighting festival held at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture in October.

What happens?

The first day of celebrations sees seven yatai floats from seven different districts transported to the shrine for ceremonies between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The following day sees three teams of younger men in fundoshi (loin cloths) carrying three huge mikoshi (portable shrines) jostle and violently crash into each other in the area around the shrine from 9 a.m. until midday. The jostling/fighting is continued at 1 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m.

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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