Here are some highlights
Highlights of the festival
Starting from the incense offering and the naked procession on April 9 to the goheigaeshi on April 17, the Hikiyama Festival is spread out over nine days (officially five days from the mide welcoming on April 13),
The Hikiyama Festival is a nine-day event (officially, five days starting from the welcoming of the mage on the 13th).
It is fun to try to understand all the events, but it is also very difficult.
So, I will introduce some of the highlights of the festival. I will introduce some of the highlights of the festival.
April 9
Incense sticks(from around 6:00 p.m.)
Senkoban is an event to go around the time of Kyogen to investigate. It is the first public day of the 20 days of practice.
Many people come to see the results of practice at the respective rehearsal halls.
From this time on, the children improve spectacularly, day by day. It is a pleasure to see this.
April 9-12
Naked Pilgrimage(from around 8:00 p.m.)
On the first day of the naked procession to pray for good lots and the health of the performers, there is a lot of cheering and enthusiasm. At Mt. Takasagozan, on the first day of the festival, the lottery takers release carp into a pond. The Mitarashiido well at Hachimangu Shrine is a highlight of the festival.
On the last day, the musicians of all the towns perform “welcoming music” on the approach from Hachimangu Shrine to Houkoku Shrine. Water is sprinkled on Ote Street, making the area even livelier.
April 13
Kyogen performance in Jicho(neighboring towns)(from around 6:00 p.m.)
In each town, actors put on costumes and makeup for the first time and perform Kyogen for the first time.
This is the first time for the children to perform on stage, so they are very serious. The floats are also decorated for the night, making them look even more glamorous.
April 14
Climbing Mountains – Yakusha Evening Crossing
Climbing Mountains – Yakusha Evening Crossing
The best way to experience the fantastic atmosphere of the festival is to watch the evening procession.
The “Noboriyama” parade, in which the floats are pulled from each town to Hachimangu Shrine from around 12:00 to 16:00, is also very heroic, but the evening parade of actor returning from Hachimangu Shrine to their own town is even more fantastic and splendid.
The evening procession begins at 19:00, but the atmosphere that greets the procession at Hachimangu Shrine from around 18:00 is also quite impressive.
April 15
Today
April 15 Today
Today is a full day of highlights, but first, the Hachiman Shrine will be held in the morning, followed by the Tachiwatari by the naginatagumi after 9:00 a.m., then the Okinamaneki, and then the Kyogen performance.
If you want to enjoy the Kyogen performance, the best place to start is on the way. The expressions on the children’s faces as they wait for their cue are also something to look forward to.
The climax of the festival, which should not be missed, is the dedication at the Otabisho, which takes place from dusk to night, when the lights are turned on and the atmosphere is especially glamorous.
After the final Kyogen performance, the people of Shichigo perform the return of the portable shrine, which is a truly heroic event, going around the square several times and coming back again. After the Mikoshi is returned, each mountain returns to its own town.
This is a must-see at the Otabisho.
April 16th
Kyogen at the Goban
Kyogen will be performed in each town.
Especially, the last Kyogen performance at Takasagozan from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. will be held in a very pleasant mood. It is a must-see!