🎎 Hitachi Province Sōsha Shrine Grand Festival (Ishioka Festival)

The Hitachi Province Sosha Shrine Grand Festival has long been cherished by the local people and is also known as the "Ishioka Festival." The festival held in Ishioka City takes place on September 15th each year, coinciding with the Japanese holiday "Respect for the Aged Day," and lasts for three consecutive days, ending on that day. Since the main festival on the 15th is an important ritual for the deity, no sightseeing activities are held, but starting from the morning of the following day, various activities begin in the grounds of the Hitachi Province Sosha Shrine, starting with the ceremonial sumo wrestling. This event attracts over 500,000 tourists during these three days, creating a lively atmosphere. The highlights of the Ishioka Festival are quite abundant. One of the unique lion dances is the "Horo Lion," which features a giant lion head measuring 60 cm in width and weighing 20 kg, connected to a movable small house. It has been designated as a tangible folk cultural asset of the city. Skilled lion dancers from various towns wear the lion head and parade through the streets accompanied by drums, flutes, and cheers from local children. Additionally, the open-top floats moving through the streets are also a focal point. Each float from different regions is adorned with figures of historically famous individuals, and features a rotating stage in the middle. On this stage, performances are held to the tunes of the "Ishioka Bayashi," which is designated as an intangible folk cultural asset of the prefecture. Dancers change costumes according to the music, showcasing rhythmic movements that captivate the audience. The nighttime scenery with the illuminated floats is also not to be missed.

The regular grand festival at Hitachi Province's Soshagu Shrine is also known by the locals as the "Ishioka Matsuri." Every year, over 500,000 tourists visit. On the morning of the second day, a ceremonial sumo wrestling event is held at Soshagu Shrine. In the streets, one can see the rare lion dance known as "Horo-Jishi." The performances on the rotating stage set up on the top of the colorful floats are also a must-see.