See & Do
Eastern Area

Mashiko Gion Festival

Come and see one of the “Top 3 Strange Festivals of Kanto Area” in Mashiko.

Mashiko Gion Festival began in 1705, when an epidemic of infectious diseases killed many people and pests infested crops, people pray to Tenno for illnesses and harvest.

Five towns take turns organizing the festival. The organizer sets up a mikoya and carries the mikoshi out of the shrine for the first day and last day of the festival.

On the second day of the festival, a traditional event call “Sake Topping Festival(Omiki Cho-dai Shiki)” is held on organizer’s town. Male worshippers in formal kimonos drink hot sake under the scorching heat to pray for a good harvest and health. After the organizer side finished their drinks, 10 men from next organize town also need to challenge it. This festival is one of the “Top 3 Strange Festivals of Kanto Area”.

Also, on the first night of the festival, people will set off Tezutsu-hanabi with majestic yells is breathtaking.

Basic Information

Address	Mashiko Machi, Tochigi
Telephone Number	0285-70-1120
Website	http://mashiko-kankou.org/
Date	July 23 ~ July 25 every year.
Venue	Kashima Shrine in Mashiko
Map Code	39 176 233*35

Eastern Area

The eastern area is famous for its abundant flowers and traditional Mashiko pottery. Seasonal charms welcome tourists throughout the year with flowers such as cherry blossoms and wisterias in spring and some of the nation’s most beautiful autumn foliage.