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Chan Chan Matsuri Festival
15th Century
A spring tradition at one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
Held every April 1st, Oyamato Jinja shrine’s annual festival is a tradition that goes back to the 15th century and tells us that spring is here!
It is most known for its procession called the Owatari. About 200 people from the shrine’s nine surrounding towns walk in the procession, dressed in traditional clothing and carrying the mikoshi portable shrines of Oyamato Jinja shrine and its auxiliary shrine, Masumiko Jinja shrine. Some people ride horses, some carry flags with the names of their towns, and some ring bells that sounds like “chan, chan”, which is how the festival got its name.
In the crisp winds of spring, they walk a pastoral village path about four kilometers round trip to Oyamato Jinja shrine’s Otabisho, a detached part of the shrine. At the Otabisho, people from each of the towns give an offering to the shrine, which may be food, sake, or a traditional dance. After enjoying a meal together, the procession walks back to Oyamato Jinja shrine.
Held by the shrine, the shrine’s members, and the many local people of the surrounding towns, the Chan Chan Matsuri festival is an example of how history and traditions are passed down and carried on by local communities. Even if you are not from the local community, you are welcome to come see the festival and feel this tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Access
By car: Oyamato Jinja shrine is about 6 km south on Nat. Hwy 169 from the Tenri IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway.
By train: Oyamato Jinja shrine is about 1 km southeast of JR Nagara Station on the Manyo Mahoroba Line.
By bus: Oyamato Jinja shrine is less than 1 km southwest of the Oyamatojinja bus stop on the Nara Kotsu bus line.
Environment
The procession of the Chan Chan Matsuri festival goes along the Kamitsumichi road, a road with a history that goes back to at least the 7th century CE, and features many historical places. Oyamato Jinja shrine’s Otabisho is located along the Yamanobe-no-Michi path, a path that has many colorful beautiful flowers in spring, especially cherry blossoms!
Point
In addition to being fascinating to see in person, the Chan Chan Matsuri festival is a tradition hundreds of years old, that has been passed down by the local community. It is one of the major traditional events of spring in Nara, and a must see if you are visiting Tenri or Nara in the spring!
Map
Information
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| Address： | 306 Niizumi Town, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture |
| Admission： | Free |
| Parking： | Yes |
| Rest Area： | Yes |
| Toilet： | Yes |
| Contact： | |
| Website： | Oyamato Jinja Shrine Homepage (Japanese only) |
| Social Media： |
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