Immerse Yourself in Tradition: The 2025 Ryugu Shrine Grand Festival in Otaru (June 20-22)
Mark your calendars! From June 20th to June 22nd, 2025, the enchanting city of Otaru, Japan, will come alive with the vibrant energy of the Ryugu Shrine Grand Festival (龍宮神社例大祭, Ryugu Jinja Reitaisai). This annual event is a celebration of Otaru’s history, culture, and the blessings of the sea, offering a captivating experience for locals and tourists alike.
What to Expect:
Imagine a city transformed. Streets decked out in colorful banners, the rhythmic beat of traditional drums echoing in the air, and the tantalizing aroma of street food filling your senses. The Ryugu Shrine Grand Festival is a feast for the eyes, ears, and stomach.
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A Procession of Mikoshi (Portable Shrines): The heart of the festival is the procession of elaborately decorated mikoshi. Carried on the shoulders of dedicated participants, these portable shrines are believed to house the deity of the Ryugu Shrine. Watch in awe as they parade through the streets, stopping at various points to offer blessings for the city’s prosperity and safety. The energy of the carriers, chanting and sweating, is truly infectious.
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Traditional Performances: Throughout the festival, you’ll be treated to traditional performances showcasing Otaru’s rich cultural heritage. Expect to see:
- Traditional Music: Hear the captivating sounds of traditional Japanese instruments like the taiko drum, shakuhachi flute, and shamisen lute.
- Dance Performances: Be mesmerized by the elegant and powerful movements of traditional Japanese dancers.
- Street Performers: Expect to encounter a variety of street performers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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Delicious Street Food: No Japanese festival is complete without a vibrant array of street food stalls. Indulge in local delicacies such as:
- Takoyaki: Savory octopus balls topped with sauce and bonito flakes.
- Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a delicious sauce.
- Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake filled with cabbage, meat, and other ingredients.
- And of course, plenty of refreshing Japanese beer and sake!
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Games and Activities: Immerse yourself in the fun and excitement with traditional festival games like:
- Goldfish Scooping: A classic game where you try to scoop goldfish with a fragile paper net.
- Ring Toss: Test your skills by tossing rings onto prizes.
- Target Shooting: Aim for the targets and win fun prizes.
Why You Should Go:
The Ryugu Shrine Grand Festival offers a unique and authentic glimpse into Japanese culture. It’s a chance to:
- Experience a traditional Japanese festival: Witness age-old rituals and customs passed down through generations.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture: Interact with friendly locals and learn about their traditions.
- Enjoy delicious food and entertainment: Indulge in a variety of local delicacies and enjoy captivating performances.
- Explore the charming city of Otaru: Take advantage of your visit to explore Otaru’s historic canals, glassblowing studios, and fresh seafood restaurants.
Planning Your Trip:
- Dates: June 20th – June 22nd, 2025
- Location: Ryugu Shrine and surrounding streets of Otaru, Japan
- Accommodation: Book your accommodation in Otaru well in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during the festival.
- Transportation: Otaru is easily accessible by train from Sapporo.
- What to Wear: Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Otaru: More Than Just a Festival:
While the festival is a major draw, Otaru itself is a captivating city worth exploring. Known for its beautifully preserved canals lined with historic buildings, Otaru offers:
- Otaru Canal: Take a romantic stroll along the canal, especially beautiful at night when the gas lamps are lit.
- Glassblowing Studios: Otaru is famous for its intricate glasswork. Visit a studio to watch skilled artisans at work and perhaps even create your own glass masterpiece.
- Seafood Restaurants: Indulge in fresh and delicious seafood at one of Otaru’s many excellent restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local specialty, sea urchin (uni).
- Sakaimachi Street: Browse through charming shops selling local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs along this historic street.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Ryugu Shrine Grand Festival and the charm of Otaru. Start planning your trip now and prepare to be captivated!
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-06-20 08:31, ‘令和7年龍宮神社例大祭…(6/20～6/22)’ was published according to 小樽市. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner, making readers want to travel.
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