Marumage Festival

The Marumage Festival, traditionally known as the Kannon Grand Festival, is an annual cultural event held in Himi. Its origins date back to a custom in which local geisha, on their one annual day off, would style their hair in the “marumage” – a traditional married woman’s hairstyle – and visit Senju-ji Temple to pray for a happy marriage.

Today, the festival has evolved into a public event, with unmarried women from across Toyama Prefecture and beyond participating. The festival takes place each year on April 17, with participants selected through a public application process. Participants must be 18 years or older and not previously married or previously participated in the festival. The number of participants is limited to 30, with a lottery held in case of high demand. 

The festival centres on Senju-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Etchu Province, where the Kannon deity is believed to grant blessings including long life, forgiveness of sins, and successful relationships. Historically, fishermen in Himi prayed for maritime safety and daily well-being at this temple. During the Kannon Grand Festival, the deity is symbolically brought to the streets, and local neighbourhood representatives set up ceremonial booths. Festivities include local gatherings and celebratory drinks within the community.

During the Marumage Festival, participants dress in kimono and wear wigs styled in the traditional marumage, carrying lotus flowers as part of the procession. The parade proceeds through the town to Senju-ji Temple, where participants offer prayers for happiness and marital success.

Selected participants normally pay a participation fee, which covers the cost of the kimono, wig, and dressing. Preparatory events include wig fittings at designated beauty salons in late March and a pre-festival briefing at Senju-ji Temple in early April. On the day of the festival, participants gather at the salon for dressing.

Visitors are welcome to view the event and may also make offerings at the temple.