Festivals Calendar

This ancient religious practice has its roots in the folk belief of Somin-Shorai, a charm to ward off evil spirits and protect against sickness and disaster. The words “Somin-shorai-massha-shojin” are written on a 30 cm-long willow branch, and prayers are conducted at an alter by a Shinto priest. The names of the head of each household in the area are also read out. The stakes are then placed in seven locations around the entrances to the Urumi Area to prevent illness from entering.
Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Chibu Village.

On the memorial of the death of Kobo Daishi, a famous Buddhist monk who lived in the 8th-9th century, local people of all ages and religion visit the jizo Buddhist statues and temples around the island. Each temple provides food to the visitors, who eat and then carry on to the next location.

At this time of year Mt. Akahage is covered with pretty no-daikon wild radish flowers. At the festival which takes place in Niburi-hama Park, there are performances on stage and various stalls. At the end, mochi, or pounded rice cakes, are thrown into the crowd. This fun local event has a history of over 20 years.

Walk around all three Dōzen Islands! The annual 2-day walk takes place on Nakanoshma Isand, Chiburijima Island, and Nishinoshima Island.

This festival takes place over two days. On both days, Dōzen Kagura Shinto Dances take place. Afterwards, there are other offertorial performances and Kabuki (classical Japanese plays) are performed by children. Traditionally, after prayers in the entrance shrine building on the second day of the festival, children carry a small mikoshi, (portable shrine) alongside the real mikoshi.

At this event you can catch as many sazae (Turban shell) as you want! There is also BBQ sazae, rice balls, sausages and other festival fare to enjoy. This unique festival has continued for over 25 years. Participation fee: Adults – 2,000 yen, Children – 1,000 yen.

Possibly the best seating you can get to see a fireworks display in all of Japan; residents lie down to avoid straining their necks while watching the fireworks during this festival. The fireworks can also be seen from neighboring islands, Nishinoshima and Nakanoshima.

During this dance, participants make a circle around the taiko drums and dance slowly holding a fan.  It is a dance to pray for good crops on the island, as well as wind and rain. This festival was formerly performed in each area of the island, however today it is only practiced in the Nibu Area. The name of the dance “Minna-ichi” comes from the lyrics of the song “everyone line up together as one”.  The dance is Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Chibu Village.

On the day of this festival, a straw snake is made at the temples of each region in Chiburijima. The snake is carried around the temple or the area three times and then wrapped around a holy tree. The snake is an incarnation of the water god, and the festival is carried out in order to pray for a safe spring harvest.