Okawakami Birafu Shrine

Okawakami Birafu Shrine, affectionately known as “Kawakami-sama of Birafu,” is one of Kochi Prefecture’s most revered Shinto shrines, deeply rooted in history, architecture, and living tradition. The enshrined deity is Otataneko-no-Mikoto, and the shrine is recorded in the Engishiki, a 10th-century compendium of officially recognised shrines. Its main hall is designated a prefectural cultural property, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.

The shrine buildings are impressive in scale, constructed with bold timber proportions that evoke dignity, stability, and calm. The roof, built in a late Edo-period architectural style, is especially admired for its refined beauty and graceful lines. The current shrine complex was begun in the first year of the Keio era and completed in the second year of the Meiji era, reflecting a transitional moment in Japanese history.

Each year on November 3, the Autumn Grand Festival is held and has been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kochi Prefecture. A central feature of this festival is the sacred procession known as Onabare. During this ritual, the enshrined deity travels in a ceremonial procession to and from the temporary shrine, Shinmei-gu. This style of ritual procession is characteristic of Kochi Prefecture and represents a living expression of local faith.

The festival is brought to life through a wide variety of traditional performances and processions, including staff striking (bo-uchi), goban swinging, portable shrine (mikoshi) processions, long-nosed masks (hanataka), children’s processions, and torige and haguma — decorative poles approximately five meters long adorned with feathers.

Another distinctive feature of the shrine is its ceiling paintings. These were dedicated by 31 manga artists, who each contributed works depicting the Four Guardian Deities—  the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise — as well as the twelve zodiac signs. Painted on wooden panels measuring about 70 centimetres square, each piece reflects the individual artistic style of its creator, blending contemporary creativity with traditional symbolism.

Adding a modern cultural connection, Okawakami Birafu Shrine offers unique “Lucky Twelve Zodiac” amulets illustrated by Takashi Yanase, the beloved creator of Anpanman. These original amulets combine popular culture with traditional belief, making them cherished keepsakes for visitors.