Asuke Hachiman Shrine Annual Festival

[Brave and fantastical within tradition] The annual Asuke Hachimangu Festival, consisting of the Shigakusai and Hongakusai, is known as the "Asuke Festival." It is said that the festival took on its current form around the late Edo period. This festival continues the tradition of Asuke Hachimangu Shrine, which has long been the central shrine of the Asuke area and has been deeply revered by local residents. The floats are unique, with a front board. Over the two-day period, four floats are paraded through the town, followed by a Shinko Togyo procession, a shrine entry, matchlock guns, bo-te (sticks), and Bonten-nage (Bonten throwing). After the Bonten-nage, the floats are decorated with lanterns and return to their respective neighborhoods, creating a mystical atmosphere. The main hall of Asuke Hachimangu Shrine, where the festival is held, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the Asuke townscape has been designated as a traditional buildings preservation district, allowing visitors to experience its magnificent history.