Hojoya Festival - The 1st Night & Gojinko Procession - 2023 / 筥崎宮 放生会

Join us as we follow the Divine Procession known as Omikoshi Gyoretsu (Gojinko, portable shrine procession) around Hakozaki on the first night of the big Hojoya Festival. 春の博多どんたく、夏の博多祇園山笠とならんで博多三大祭りに数えられる筥崎宮の放生会（ほうじょうや）は、「万物の生命をいつくしみ、殺生を戒め、秋の実りに感謝する」祭り。筥崎宮の1100年以上続く神事を起源にもち、毎年9月12日から18日までの7日間にわたって筥崎宮にて開催される。

今年は、2年に一度（西暦奇数年）行われる『御神幸』と呼ばれるお神輿行列が行われる。約500人もの氏子の奉仕によって、9月12日、14日に執り行われ、主要な部分は江戸時代とほぼ同じ姿で踏襲され、まるで絵巻物のような光景を見ることができる。

本殿から海に向かって真っ直ぐのびる約1kmの参道の両脇には、500軒を超える露店が立ち並び、九州随一の祭りといわれる圧巻の光景を作り出す。https://www.fukuoka-now.com/ja/hojoya...

Autumn in Hakata would be incomplete without a visit to Hakozaki Shrine. Drawing over a million visitors each year during the festival, the Hojoya Festival has its origins in the teachings of the kami Hachiman. It has continued for more than 1,100 years, offering thanks for nature's blessings, honoring the souls of living creatures, and praying for business success and family safety.

This year is special, as it marks the occasion for the Divine Procession known as Omikoshi Gyoretsu (Gojinko, portable shrine procession), an event held once every two years (in odd-numbered years). Preserving the traditions of the Edo period, this procession has been designated as one of Fukuoka City's intangible folk cultural assets. Around 500 parishioners will partake in the service on September 12th and 14th.

Beyond observing Shinto rituals such as offering gifts to the deities, the festival attracts modern visitors with around 500 stalls lining the path to the shrine. These stalls offer much more than typical festival treats like candied apples, fried squid, yakitori, and takoyaki. There are also game stalls featuring goldfish catching, pinball-like games, "smart ball," and even amusing, rather than scary, "haunted houses."

The Hojoya Festival is celebrated at Hakozaki Shrine every year between September 12th and 18th. For more information, photos, and a schedule of events, read the full guide on Fukuoka Now https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/hojoya...


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