Hote Festival | A fire-prevention ritual with over 300 years of history held at Shiogama Shrine [Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture]

The Hote Festival a fire prevention ritual held annually on March 10th at Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture it is counted as one of the "Three Great Wild Portable Shrines of Japan."

What is the Hote Festival?

The origins of the festival can be traced back to the Edo period, specifically to the second year of Tenna (1682)

In that year, the town of Shiogama was struck by a great fire, and as port trade declined and the region fell into decline, the festival that would become the origin of the Hote Festival was started with the purpose of praying to Shiogama-sama for protection against fire and for economic recovery

At the time, ordinary people were not allowed to enter the Shiogama Shrine through the Karamon gate, but on the day of this festival, young men (sons) were given special permission to enter. For this reason, it was initially the "Son Festival" and was held on January 20th.

In 1684, during the Tenna era, a decree was issued stating that "holding the festival every year is a luxury," and it was temporarily suspended. However, in the same year that it was suspended, the town of Shiogama was struck by another great fire. As a result, the festival was revived and has been held on January 28th ever since

The portable shrine was completed in 1733. The procession of the portable shrine began, and in 1872, the festival was renamed "Hote Matsuri" (Sailor Festival). The festival date was also changed to March 10th, and it has been continued without interruption even during wartime, continuing to this day

The festival typically lasts all day, with the highlights being Departure of the Portable Shrine" around 11:30 a.m., when the portable shrine descends the steep stairs of Omotesando , and at around 7:00 p.m., when portable shrine, which has paraded through the city, returns to the shrine and ascends Omotesando.

Scenes from the Hote Festival (Photo report from March 10, 2026)

The following are photos from the Hote Festival held on March 10, 2026

Although I couldn't stay for a full day, I was able to watch the proceedings leading up to the departure of the portable shrine

On that day, a performance of Shiogama Kagura, a traditional dance passed down at Shiogama Shrine, was also offered at the Kagura Hall on the shrine grounds

The Karamon gate of Shiogama Shrine. According to the legend of the Hote Festival, when the festival began in the Edo period, ordinary people were not allowed beyond this gate

The participants in the procession accompanying the portable shrine are all dressed in elaborate costumes

The 202 steep steps of Omotesando, where the portable shrine is carried down. Also known as Otoko-zaka (Men's Slope)

As this is a fire prevention ritual, the first to appear are participants dressed as firefighters, carrying banners, and walking up the main approach to the shrine

The departure ceremony for the portable shrine takes place before its departure. A performance of the banners was being presented

The portable shrine begins its descent down the stairs. It descends carefully, step by step. The shrine is said to weigh about 1 ton, and it is supported by 16 bearers

As the portable shrine begins to descend, the area from both sides of the approach to the shrine to the bottom of the stairs is filled with many spectators

This photo, taken from the landing halfway up the stairs, might look surprisingly gentle, but in reality, it's quite steep

The portable shrine safely descends, and is met with applause and cheers

After this, we will parade through Shiogama city for the rest of the day until we return to the shrine at 7 p.m

As its name suggests, the portable shrine suddenly starts moving at a considerable speed. It seems that it will continue to move, stop, and spin around in a wild procession

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Aoiwa

Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs