🎎 Otabi Matsuri (Otabi Festival)

The "Utahashi Shrine" and "Honori Hiyoshi Shrine" in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, hold a three-day spring festival starting on the second Friday of May each year. The scene of the parishioners shouting "yo-iya hassun" while pulling ancient floats adorned with gold leaf and colorful paint through the streets is a tradition that has remained unchanged for 250 years, heralding the arrival of spring in Komatsu City. The floats feature children's performances of Kabuki, portable shrines, and both child and adult lion dances, making the floats even more luxurious and splendid. The approach lined with food stalls creates an elegant yet lively atmosphere. Among the many activities, the "Hiki-yama Hiki-zumi" is a must-see. On the gathered floats, the enthusiastic performances of child actors showcase their pride and passion for their hometown, touching the hearts of the audience. The illuminated floats at night are also not to be missed. During the festival, nearby venues such as the "Ishikawa Prefectural Komatsu City Danjuro Art Theater Urara Hall" and the "Komatsu Hiki-yama Exchange Center Miyossa" also host related activities. Guided tours for international visitors are provided, with volunteer interpreters introducing the history and culture of Komatsu in English.

The spring festivals of "Tsubaki Shrine" and "Honori Hiyoshi Shrine" in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Luxurious and splendid floats adorned with gold leaf and colorful lacquer. Children performing Kabuki on the floats. The "Hiki-yama Hiki-zoroi," where all the floats gather together, is a must-see.