Held at the historic Tosa Shrine (Ichinomiya of Tosa Province), the Tosa Reihei Matsuri is one of Kochi Prefecture's oldest and most solemn festivals. Participants dressed in Heian-period court costume and samurai armour escort three mikoshi portable shrines in a formal procession through the shrine's ancient cedar grove. The ritual re-enacts the legendary welcome extended to the enshrined deity Ajisukitakahikone. Atmosphere is reverential and the costuming meticulous, offering visitors a vivid window into classical Japanese religious pageantry.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- April (5–6)
- Region
- Shikoku
- Prefecture
- Kochi
- City
- Kochi City
Highlights
- ◆Heian-era court costumes and samurai armour procession
- ◆Three sacred mikoshi carried through cedar forest
- ◆Held at Tosa Shrine, Ichinomiya of Tosa Province
- ◆Ritual horseback archery (yabusame) ceremonies
- ◆Ancient kagura sacred dance performances