The first day’s main event is “Dai-Minyo-Nagashi” (Great Dance Festival) where more than 10,000 citizens participate.
Origin of “Niigata Festival” is in “Sumiyoshi Procession” which had been done since the Edo period. “Sumiyoshi Procession” is a festival of Tsumoto Shrine (now Hakusan Shrine) which got “Goshintai” (the body of a deity in the Shinto religion) from Sumiyoshi Shrine in Osaka. It started as a festival praying for a big catch (Sumiyoshi Festival) that the ocean in the area is not rough. After that, another event such as “River Fête”, “Opening Port Memorial Festival”, “Commerce and Festival” was held in Niigata. However, there was a demand from the local residents that “summarizing is more exciting than doing the events separately at the same time”. In response to such a voice, in the year 1955, the four festivals of Sumiyoshi Festival (Procession), River Fête (Fireworks display), Opening Port Memorial Festival (Dance festival), Commerce and Festival (Parade) were united and became “Niigata Festival”.
Must-see at the Niigata Festival is “Sumiyoshi Procession” which will be held on the 2 nd and 3 rd days. The oldest “Sumiyoshi Procession” among the four festivals is the main event of the Niigata Festival. The content is to wear old-fashioned outfits and to go around the city of Niigata. There is also “Mikoshi Togyo on the Water” where Mikoshi who got on the ship crossed the Shinano river and it is full of highlights. It is reminiscent of the Aoi festival in Kyoto. It is good to put your mind on history while watching the queue.
Point!
Introducing access to the venue of “Niigata Festival”. Take the Japan Railway Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Niigata Station. Ride time is about 2 hours 30 minutes. Bandai Bridge, the center of the festival, is about a 15-minute walk from Niigata Station.
Until now, fireworks festivals were held in two or three days, but were integrated on the last day, reflecting the intentions of citizens. At the end of the program, the large wide star mine “Evolution!” And “Niagara Falls” collaborate to create a powerful and wonderful performance.
Also, “Citizens Mikoshi” (‘Mikoshi’ means Portable Shrine), which is proud to be “the best in Japan,” has been held for more than 30 years. It is very spectacular as the bearers of various denominations carry the six mikoshi together. In front of the worship hall of Hakusan Shrine, the 6 mikoshis gathered, and the vigorous shouts flew around, making it one of the highlights.
At “Sumiyoshi Procession” and “Kirakira Parade”, there are Festival Floats, among which there are floats on which “Furumachi Geigi” (geisha) rides. Young rookie geisha from outside the prefecture are also coming in, and the gorgeousness is increasing. It will be a beautiful float, so please pay attention to it.
Charms and Highlights of “Niigata Festival”
There are a variety of events in three days
The Niigata Festival is said to have begun the “Sumiyoshi ” which will invite the object of worship to Tsumoto-jinja Shrine from Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine of Osaka inprocession 1726. After that, the four festivals which had been held in the area in 1955 were integrated and it seems that it became the form of the current Niigata Festival.
The Niigata Festival will be held for three days in the center of Niigata City. There are a variety of events in three days, you can enjoy it without breaks.
There are circles of dancing around the downtown area
On the first day, Japan’s largest “Great Minyo-nagashi dance events” will be held from 19 o’clock. About 14,000 performers dance around the Bandai bridge, which is the symbol of Niigata. Each one dances in a matching Yukata and dances. There are circles of dancing around the downtown area, tourists can jump in.
Convey the festival tradition to the viewer
On the second day, traditional “Sumiyoshi procession” is held. The performers wear old-fashioned costumes and walk around the city with a row of length of 1 kilometer. This event is said to convey the festival tradition to the viewer. Following “Sumiyoshi procession”, “Bandai Taiko Drum”, “Inasena-Mikoshi”, “Children’s Mikoshi” etc. are going to be continued.
Symbolizes “Water City of Niigata”
A water parade by about 40 vessels colored full of fleets. By placing a mikoshi and crossing from the right bank of the Shinano River to the left bank, it symbolizes “Water City of Niigata”.
Extremely popular event
Fireworks display of the Niigata Festival finale. It is an extremely popular event that many people visit every year. There are also paid seats. If you want to see it comfortably, it is suggested you reserve a fee seat in advance.
Information(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)
| Name: | Niigata Festival |
| Address: | Bandai Niigata Chuo-ku, Niigata 950-0088 Japan |
| Access: | JR Joetsu-Shinkansen “Niigata-eki Station” (15 minutes walk) |
| Tel: | (+81) 25-290-4411 (Niigata Festival Executive Committee) |
| Price/Charge: | Free |
| Official site: | http://niigata-matsuri.com/ |
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