🏮 Akutai Matsuri
悪態まつり
Kasama, Ibaraki (Iizuna Shrine) · Every year in mid December
Official site →92 days to go
Rooms around Kasama, Ibaraki fill up while the festival is on.
The Akutai Matsuri at Iizuna Shrine in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, is an unusual festival organized by the representatives of Atago Shrine. There are various theories about its origin, such as that it derives from an "Akutai Matsuri" (bad-mouth festival) to drive away vengeful spirits and epidemics, or that a local lord tried to discover the daily grievances of residents through their cursing. While 13 people dressed in white robes and tengu costumes visit 16 small shrines and make offerings, worshippers hurl insults at each other such as "bakayaro" (idiot) and scramble for the offerings. Taking home an offering is said to bring blessings for good health, family safety, and a bountiful harvest, making this a unique festival where curses echo through the sacred grounds.
Getting there
About 10 minutes by taxi from Tomobe Station on the JR Joban Line, or get off at the bus stop "Atago Shrine Entrance" and walk about 10 minutes.
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Local specialities
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