Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine Annual Celebration And The Float Festival

The Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine Annual Celebration and the Float Festival is a historic cultural event held in the Tsuchizaki district of northern Akita City. Centred around Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine, the guardian shrine of the area, the festival is a cornerstone of the local community and is celebrated for its rich history, elaborate floats, and traditional performances.

Tsuchizaki has been a prominent port town since medieval times, serving as a stop for ships along the Kitamaebune coastal trade routes. The Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine was established during a period of political change following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. After the battle, the Satake clan was relocated from Hitachi Province (modern-day Ibaraki Prefecture) to Akita. They built Kubota Castle and reorganised the surrounding towns, including Tsuchizaki, relocating many residents and reshaping the town.

In 1620, the shrine of the Kawaguchi family, local leaders of Tsuchizaki, was moved to the former site of Minato Castle and designated the guardian shrine of the town. The festival developed around the shrine as an annual event celebrating the town’s rebirth, prosperity, and spiritual protection.

Festival Highlights

The festival takes place annually on July 20 and 21, with related ceremonies occurring before and after these dates. The centerpiece of the festival is the Hikiyama float parade, featuring around 20 elaborately decorated floats, each adorned with large warrior figures. The procession moves through the Tsuchizaki port area and is accompanied by traditional music, dance, and singing performances.

A portable shrine (mikoshi) from Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha also participates in the parade. Key events include:

• Yoimiya-sai (Evening Festival) and Fureai Festival on July 20

• Grand Festival Ceremony at the shrine on July 21

• Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine processions)

• Miyuki-yama (imperial-style float parade) along main streets

• Otabisho Festivals at community stops

• Modori-yama (returning float procession) in the evening

The festival was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1997 and was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016, highlighting its value as a living tradition. The combination of religious rituals, community participation, and intricate artistic craftsmanship in the form of floats and performances makes the festival a unique cultural event.