Mikoshi Procession Parading Through the Community with the Chant "Yoi-sa-ja"

The Autumn Grand Festival is held every October at Kawauchi Tatanui Shrine in Shimotakai, Tambasasayama City. During this event, participants express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and pray for household safety as they parade through the local communities.
People from the three districts of Nishiki, Nishiki Minami, Ohno, and Yashiro gather to participate in the togyo (sacred procession). The vibrant and energetic parade includes both seasoned veterans and young participants, while local families watch and send off the mikoshi (portable shrine) from their homes.

The procession follows a route from the Ninomiya settlement in Kamitakai to Ichinomiya (Kawauchi Tatanui Shrine). Before reaching the shrine, participants gather at a designated resting point.
Having walked nearly 2 kilometers, everyone is drenched in sweat despite the October weather. However, their expressions are filled with a deep sense of fulfillment.

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The Appearance of the Lion Dance Along the Way

At one of the resting points, a lion dance (shishimai) appears as part of an ancient tradition. The lion circles around six to seven times, stopping at certain points to offer sacred prayers.
This unique "Seven Rotations Ritual" is said to be an ancient practice to ward off evil spirits as the procession nears the shrine.

Upon arrival at the shrine, each mikoshi is carried in one by one as part of the ritual offering. With powerful chants of "Yoi-sa-ja!", participants energetically lift the mikoshi and run around the shrine grounds.
The sight of local residents eagerly awaiting the arrival of all the mikoshi highlights the deep-rooted history and significance of this festival.