(Please Read) Information About the Oto Matsuri Festival for Participants / Spectators
Dear Oto Matsuri Festival participants / spectators,
The Oto Matsuri Festival is nearly here, bringing with it the start of spring for the Kumano area.
Since this festival was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, it has been drawing interest from people all around the world. Each year, thousands of people participate in this historically and culturally important traditional festival, but there have been issues with intoxication and violent behavior among some of the participants. These behaviors tarnish the image of the festival and are deeply regrettable.
Our utmost concern is for the festival to proceed smoothly and safely, without any incidents. Therefore, please keep in mind the following to avoid causing problems for others.
Notice:
- The Oto Matsuri Festival takes place in the dark and involves open flame. There is some degree of risk involved, including falls, burns or other injuries. Please understand and accept this risk before taking part in the festival. We do not take responsibility for any accidents or injuries that may occur during the festival.
- In order to prevent incidents from occurring, if you have been drinking alcohol, you cannot participate in the festival. If it is judged that you could potentially harass or inconvenience other participants, or interfere with the ceremony, you will not be allowed to participate in the festival.
- Dangerous items (staffs, knives, alcohol, flammable items, etc.) are banned. Also, please refrain from wearing clothing/accessories made of flammable material (such as synthetic fibers).
- Please do not push others when the gates close and then reopen.
- Please stay far away from the front gate to reduce the risk of pushing/shoving leading to falls. If you are with children, please be inside by 6:30 PM and stay far away from the front gate.
- You can enter the shrine until as late as 7 PM. However, if there are too many participants inside, the gate may close early for safety reasons. ** If you are watching the event, do not cross Taiko-bashi Bridge until all the participants have come down, to avoid blocking the emergency exit.
- Traditionally, it was customary to take the sacred fire back home, but for safety reasons, now it is forbidden to walk around the city carrying a lit torch. Please put out your fire before the crossing Taiko-bashi Bridge.
- Do not give alcohol to minors or let them drink in your home. According to research, 80% of minors who drink alcohol do so at home. If you own a restaurant or bar, please do not serve alcohol to minors.
- The purpose of the Oto Matsuri Festival is to receive the sacred fire for your torch. Other than the sacred flame, it is forbidden to start fires on the mountain. Also, please do not bring flammable items to the festival.
*By taking part in the festival, we consider you to have read and agreed with the above.
*Kamikura-jinja Shrine will be closed from 12 PM on the day of the festival, February 6th.
*The parking lot of Kamikura-jinja Shrine will be closed from 3 PM on the day, February 6th. If you wish to park your vehicle, please use the temporary parking lot at the riverbank near Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine.
