🎎 Gagaku Festival

The World Heritage Site "Itsukushima Shrine" hosts the grandest Shinto ritual, which is also one of Japan's three major boat festivals. In the late Heian period (794–1185), it is said that Taira no Kiyomori dedicated the shrine to the deity of Itsukushima Shrine, continuing the tradition of the Heian aristocrats who would perform "Gagaku" music while sailing on ponds or rivers. The Gagaku Festival begins with the Hatsu-ryō Matsuri at 4 PM on the 17th day of the 6th lunar month, held at the main hall of Itsukushima Shrine. As dusk approaches, the deity of Itsukushima Shrine boards the goza boat (Gagaku boat) and sets sail towards the opposite shore to the Motomiya Shrine, accompanied by Gagaku music as they cross the Seto Inland Sea until late at night. The goza boat is formed by three traditional Japanese boats, with a bonfire lit at the bow, along with four tall lanterns and twenty decorative lanterns, creating a mysterious beauty as the illuminated goza boat sails on the night sea. The highlight of the Gagaku Festival is the "Boat Body Rotation." As the goza boat returns to Itsukushima Shrine, it enters the narrow corridor of the square-shaped area, rotating its body three times to the accompaniment of Gagaku music. This dynamic ritual is the climax of the Gagaku Festival, and the skillful rotation of the boat in such a confined space, synchronized with the music, is truly astonishing. On the day of the festival, transportation such as ferries may be quite congested, so it is recommended to arrive early at Miyajima. Taking a stroll around Miyajima before the 4 PM start is also a great idea.

The late Heian period (794-1185) to the present is marked by the grandest rituals of the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine. It is said to have originated from the "Gangen-yū," where the Heian nobility performed gagaku (traditional court music) on boats. The sacred boat (gangen-bune) carrying the deity of Itsukushima Shrine is illuminated with bonfires and lanterns, creating a dreamlike scene as it sails on the sea. Don't miss the "hull rotation" that spins within the square-shaped corridor of Itsukushima Shrine. On the day of the event, traffic congestion from cruise ships and other transportation is expected, so it is recommended to arrive early and take a leisurely walk around Miyajima.