MATSURI (festivals) throughout the year in Wakayama City
“Wakamatsuri” is a nearly 400 year-old traditional Matsuri held at Toshogu Shrine in the middle of May. One of the highlights of this festival is the “Mikoshi-Oroshi,” an event where a group runs down the shrine’s 108 steps while carrying a mikoshi (portable shrine). After that, a GYORETSU (parade) starts from Toshogu Shrine and goes around the Wakaura area.
Participants wear traditional costumes and perform Japanese drums, traditional dance, and more. The parade has about 65 different stages each featuring anywhere from 1 to 50 performers. For more information, please visit: http://wakamatsuri.com/english Why don’t you join us?
“Kishu-odori Bundarabushi,” Wakayama City’s most popular dancing Matsuri, is held around Wakayama Castle at the beginning of August. More than 100,000 people come and see this festival every year. Be a part of the fun and dance with us!
This year is also the 300th anniversary of the inauguration of the “Shogun” (Yoshimune, the 8th Tokugawa Shogun and lord of Wakayama Castle). There will be a lot of events throughout the year, so please come and see them in Wakayama City!
At Wakayama Castle, you can try on samurai armour and meet friendly ninjas. We welcome you and look forward to your visit here!
For more information, visit the Wakayama City Tourist Information Office website. http://www.wakayamakanko.com/eng/