Shinkoshiki Taisai (Procession of Gods Festival) at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

太宰府天満宮　神幸式大祭

The Shinkoshiki Taisai (or Procession of Gods Festival) is an autumn festival that occurs every year from September 21 to 25 in order to seek Sugawara Michizane’s divine virtues and give thanks to the gods for an abundant crop. Beginning in 1101, the festival’s highlight is the Massive Procession that centers around and fans out from a portable shrine in which the gods ride. The portable shrine begins its journey at 8pm on the 22nd and makes its way back starting at 3pm the next day. Shinto priests and volunteers wearing historical clothing slowly proceed along the 2km (1.2 mile) road from Daizfu Tenmangu Shrine to Enoki Shrine (formerly Enoki Temple), taking two hours to do so. This scene from a bygone era seems to vividly come to life in the goregous Heiankyo (the former capital, Kyoto) style!
Another ceremony is held in which visitors can pray for various favors by burning votive candles lit with a sacred flame around Shinji Pond. When 1,000 candles have been lit with the sacred flame, the shrine maidens perform musical and dance pieces such as Yukyu no Mai performance on the acquatic stage as the candlelight that brightens the still darkness reflects off the surface of the pond, inviting the world of the serious and profound.

Address (Japanese)	818-0195　福岡県太宰府市宰府4-7-1 太宰府天満宮
Address	Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	092-922-8225（太宰府天満宮）
Contact	Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Car Park	Available
Access	By train - About a 5 minute walk from Nishitetsu “Dazaifu” Station on the Dazaifu Line By car - About a 15 minute drive from the Dazaifu Interchange off the Kyushu Longitudinal Expressway
Website	http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/