It looks like “Okoshiya Matsuri” will be held at Nishinomiya Shrine on Sunday, June 14.
Here it is↓
Okoshiya Matsuri
When is it?
Sunday, June 14
Where is it?
Nishinomiya Shrine, the Okoshiya historic site, and Nishinomiya Chuo Shopping Street
The procession arrives at the “Okoshiya historic site,” where it is said the mikoshi was once set down for a rest, and a festival ceremony will be held there. It runs from around 14:00 to 20:30.
Here it is on the map↓
The address is 6-22 Honmachi, Nishinomiya, Hyogo.
What will be happening?
- The mikoshi and procession will parade through the area during “Okoshiya Matsuri” 👘
- Limited-edition biwa Okoshiya goshuin stamps will be sold (available only on the day) 🍬
- A Shinko procession from Naruo Hachiman Shrine (about 3 km) 🛕
- Kagura, flute, and taiko drum dedication performances 🎵
- Traditional play area (soap bubbles, spinning tops, kugisashi, and more) 🎯
- Jumbo omikuji fortune slips (win a festival stall voucher if you draw “daikichi”)
- Festival stalls (goldfish scooping, cotton candy, yo-yo fishing, shooting gallery, tamago senbei, and more, 200 yen per try) 🍡
- Special perks for visitors wearing yukata at participating shops (such as one free drink) 🍹
- Visit 3 stamp rally spots to receive a commemorative gift (redeem at the pine grove inside Nishinomiya Shrine) 🎁
Performance Schedule
■ Kamishibai picture-story show
・15:30〜16:00
・17:00〜17:30
・18:30〜19:00
(Location: inside the Nishinomiya pine grove)
■ Ebisuza puppet theater and Ebisu dance dedication
・From 16:00
(Location: Okoshiya historic site)
■ Shishimai lion dance
・16:00〜16:30
・17:30〜18:00
(Location: inside the Nishinomiya pine grove)
■ Okoshiya Matsuri Kagura Festival
・From 17:00
・From 18:00
・From 19:00
(Location: Okoshiya historic site)
Free Treats Schedule
■ Free biwa fruit distribution
・From 15:40 (ends when supplies run out)
(Location: Okoshiya historic site)
■ Free amazake distribution
・17:00・18:00・19:00
(Location: Okoshiya historic site)
Details about Okoshiya Matsuri are → here
Finally
“Okoshiya Matsuri” is said to be the earliest summer festival in the Kansai region, and it really makes you feel like summer is finally arriving. Kids can enjoy the festival stalls, kamishibai, and traditional games, and if you don’t usually get many chances to wear a yukata, this could be a nice opportunity to give it a try. Why not stop by and soak up the season? 😄
