The Grand Festival of Gosho Shrine, also known as the “Mizai Festival,” is a traditional event that has been passed down for generations. One of its highlights is the “Gokō-katsugi,” where participants carry portable shrines (mikoshi) in rhythm with the ancient “Tenno-uta” chants.
The festival takes place on the second Sunday of June, and features a spectacular maritime procession, during which the mikoshi are carried across the sea.
スケジュール
| Date | Event | Time | Details / Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13 (Sat) | Mimeme Myojin Festival | From 6:00 PM | Mikoshi procession: Shrine → Mizudōro → Kuhonji → Komyoji → Shrine |
| Yoimiya Festival | From 6:30 PM | Mikoshi procession: Shrine → Kuhonji → Komyoji → Shrine | |
| June 14 (Sun) | Annual Grand Festival Ceremony | From 10:00 AM | Held at the main hall (Gosho Shrine grounds) |
| Mikoshi Procession | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Shrine → Mizudōro → Kamikawara → Zaimokuza Beach → Shrine | |
| Mikoshi-kuguri | Around 2:30 PM | Under-the-mikoshi ritual during the break near Kuhonji | |
| Sea Procession | Around 3:30 PM | Mikoshi enters the sea at Zaimokuza Beach | |
| June 16 (Tue) | Mitsume Kagura | From 10:00 AM | Kagura dedication at the main hall |
◆Saturday – June 13, 2026
Menome Myojin Festival
From 6:00 PM: Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession
Route: Gosho Shrine → Suidoro → Kuhonji Temple → Komyoji Temple → Gosho Shrine
Yoimiya Festival (Eve Festival)
From 6:30 PM: Mikoshi procession
Route: Gosho Shrine → Kuhonji Temple → Komyoji Temple → Gosho Shrine
I visited in 2023.
When I arrived at Gosho Shrine around 5:30 PM, the mikoshi procession was just about to begin!
It might be a good idea to arrive a little early.
◆Sunday (Festival Day) – June 14, 2026
Grand Festival Ceremony
From 10:00 AM (within the shrine grounds)
Note: This ceremony is for authorized participants only.
Mikoshi Procession
From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Route: Gosho Shrine → Suidoro → Kamigawara → Zaimokuza Beach → Gosho Shrine
Marine Procession
Around 3:30 PM (at Zaimokuza Beach)
Mikoshi Passing Ritual (Mikoshi Kuguri)
Around 2:30 PM
During a break in the procession, infants under one year old are carried beneath the mikoshi. This ritual is performed to pray for their healthy growth and protection from illness.
About 2019
This was before the COVID-19 pandemic, so the festival was held on a grand scale with a lively atmosphere.
On that day, the mikoshi procession from Gosho Shrine to Komyoji Temple had already started shortly before 3:00 PM.
After that, the procession paused in front of the main gate of Komyoji Temple, where we listened to a speech from one of the temple’s monks. Following this, there was a short break.
On this day, even buses have to wait for the mikoshi procession to pass, so if you get caught in it, traffic can come to a near standstill.
After the break, the procession continues to Zaimokuza Beach, where the mikoshi are carried out for the marine procession.
About 2021
At that time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mikoshi procession was carried out using vehicles, and I believe they did not enter the sea.
About 2025
The festival officially started at 3:30 PM, but the mikoshi didn’t enter the sea until around 4:00 PM.
◆Tuesday – June 16, 2026
Mitsume Kagura
From 10:00 AM – A sacred Kagura dance offering will be performed in the main shrine grounds.
The main shrine’s mikoshi is carried by participants dressed in traditional white attire. They wear happi coats marked with the symbol for “uta” (song) to match the Tenno-uta chants as the mikoshi is carried.
Of the three shrines, two of the mikoshi are carried into the sea.
Gosho Shrine
The Gosho Shrine was formed in 1908 (Meiji 41) when the Mishima Shrine, the guardian of Zaimokuza, merged with Yagumo Shrine, Konpira Shrine, Suwa Shrine, and Mirume Yasaka Shrine.
During this season, the hydrangeas are also in full bloom, so be sure to take some time to enjoy their beautiful colors!
アクセス
五所神社（Gosho Shrine）
2-9-1 Zaimokuza, Kamakura City TEL：0467-25-0949
光明寺（Komyouji Temple）
6-17-19 Zaimokuza, Kamakura City TEL：0467-22-0603
コメント