Kumano Hayatama Taisha (Location: Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, Organizer: Kumano Hayatama Taisha), a component asset of the World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," will hold its summer ritual "Ogi Tate Matsuri" (Festival of the Standing Fan) on July 14, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, to pray for national peace, freedom from illness, and family safety.

July 14 is "Quarantine Memorial Day," commemorating the beginning of the former quarantine system and positioned as a day to "protect people from epidemics." Kumano Hayatama Taisha's Ogi Tate Matsuri resonates with this timing and, as a ritual that has prayed for people's health, safety, and protection from disaster since ancient times, also serves as an opportunity to reflect on our modern lives and health.

About the Ogi Tate Matsuri

Kumano Hayatama Taisha possesses 12 cypress fans (hiogi) created in the Muromachi period, 11 of which are preserved and designated as National Treasures. A hiogi is a formal fan, adorned with flowers, birds, wind, and moon, and sprinkled with gold and silver leaf, primarily used in court ceremonies by men and women of the nobility when in formal attire.

During the Ogi Tate Matsuri, cypress fans created in 1964, modeled after these National Treasure hiogi, will be displayed in each hall, and a ritual will be performed to pray for national peace, freedom from illness, and family safety. Through this ceremony, conducted according to ancient customs, attendees can experience Japan's spiritual culture and forms of prayer.

Event Overview

Name: Kumano Hayatama Taisha Ogi Tate Matsuri

Date and Time: July 14, 2026 (Tue) 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Ogi Tate Matsuri Ceremony: Starts at 5:30 PM

Venue: Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Address: 1 Shingu, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture

Organizer: Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Admission Fee: Free

Parking: Free parking for 30 cars

*If the parking lot is full, please use the riverbed parking lot.

Eligibility: No advance application required for those wishing to observe the festival.

For those wishing to participate in the 5:30 PM ceremony, please inquire in advance.

Access:

- Approximately 15 minutes on foot / 5 minutes by taxi from JR Shingu Station

- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Odori IC on the Kisei Expressway

Highlights and Experience Points

A Historic Ritual Connected to National Treasure Cypress Fans This is a unique ritual of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, which preserves 11 Muromachi period cypress fans designated as National Treasures. The cypress fans used in the Ogi Tate Matsuri were created in 1964, modeled after the National Treasure fans. Against the backdrop of their design and history, prayers are offered in a serene atmosphere.

Enjoy a "Summer Evening in Kumano" in Yukata During the festival, food stalls will line the grounds, bustling with visitors in yukata (summer kimono) enjoying the cool evening air. Families, tourists, and local residents gather to enjoy the traditional summer festival atmosphere against the backdrop of the World Heritage shrine buildings.

A "Place of Prayer" to Reflect on Life and Health On this day, Quarantine Memorial Day, the Ogi Tate Matsuri, which prays for people's health, safety, and protection from all disasters, including infectious diseases, also serves as an opportunity to reflect on modern life. From an educational perspective, it provides a venue for children and younger generations to experience traditional culture and learn about the spirit of prayer and gratitude.

How to Participate / Notes

Advance Application: Not required for those wishing to observe the festival.

For those wishing to participate in the 5:30 PM ceremony, please inquire in advance.

Visitor Etiquette: Please maintain a quiet demeanor within the shrine grounds and cooperate with understanding the ritual.

Inquiries regarding this matter:

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Address: 1 Shingu, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture TEL: 0735-22-2533

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event