One of Tambasasayama's Three Major Festivals Known as the "Hata Festival"

The "Hata Festival" is a traditional festival held at Sasaba Shrine, located at the foot of the Taki Mountain Range. With a history of approximately 400 years, it is considered one of the three major festivals in Tambasasayama. Although it takes place in the relatively small Hata district, it is renowned as a majestic and vigorous festival that attracts many visitors. However, due to the region's declining population in recent years, some participants from outside the prefecture now join as bearers of the festival floats.

Thanks to such efforts, the sight of numerous festival floats and taiko mikoshi gathering from different villages is truly a spectacle. Reflecting Tambasasayama’s tradition of embracing diverse people and cultures, even the reporting team found themselves pulling a festival float along the way. Though hesitant at first, they managed to complete the task successfully.

A Rare Shrine Where Yabusame Rituals Are Performed

The shrine is also famous for its rare Yabusame (horseback archery) ritual, drawing large crowds and lined with vendor stalls. According to those who remember the past, the festival was once even more vibrant. Interestingly, the arrows shot during the Yabusame are considered lucky charms, and attendees take them home as souvenirs.

Sasaba Shrine is unique in Japan, enshrining multiple deities. The grounds also feature a monument linked to Emperor Gotoba, making it a worthy destination even outside of festival periods. Why not take the opportunity to visit this remarkable place?