Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival

The Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival, also known as the Jimmu-sama Festival, is the largest and most celebrated local festival in Miyazaki Prefecture. It honours Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, and celebrates the harvest season. The festival has been held for over 140 years and remains a cherished tradition deeply rooted in the local community.

At the heart of the festival is the Main Shrine Ceremony, which will take place at Miyazaki Jingu Shrine on Sunday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m.

The highlight of the celebration is the Sacred Procession (Goshinkō Gyōretsu), held on Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 from 1:00 p.m. to around 4:00 p.m. The grand parade departs from Miyazaki Jingu and proceeds through Ehira, Tachibana Street, Asahi Street, and ends at Segashira Otabisho, a temporary resting place for the deities. The procession features portable shrines (Gohoren), beautifully decorated floats, and participants dressed in traditional court and religious attire, reenacting Emperor Jimmu’s journey to the East and other important episodes from his life.

The festival also includes a lively event called “Jimmu-sama Plaza”, held on Saturday, November 1, from 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along Takachiho Street. Visitors can enjoy performances such as Japanese drumming (taiko), lion dances (shishimai), and local entertainment, creating a vibrant evening atmosphere.

During the festival, traffic restrictions will be in place around the event areas. Visitors are encouraged to check the official traffic map or use the Jimmu-sama Map, a smartphone app developed by students from Sadowara High School, which provides real-time location updates of the processions and performances.

The Miyazaki Jingu Grand Festival is not only a spiritual celebration but also a powerful expression of community pride, connecting the people of Miyazaki with their cultural heritage and history.