Guide to the Shinkō Procession (o-nobori)
The o-nobori Shinkō procession, the main event of the Yatsushiro Myōken Festival, is held every year on November 23rd. The procession departs Shioya Hachiman Shrine led by the shishi, or lions, at 7:30 in the morning. Approximately 40 floats and other pieces are part in the procession attended by 1,700 people, traveling about six kilometers to Yatsushiro Shrine.
Along the way, stages have been set up at Demachi Park next to Yatsushiro Harmony Hall and in front of JR Yatsushiro Station, where visitors can watch the introductions to the floats in the procession, the performances of the shishi lions and Kida, and horse runs.
The procession arrives at Yatsushiro Shrine around 11AM and the floats and other pieces will be put out for some time at the nearby Miyaji Elementary School.
Excitement reaches a fever pitch in the afternoon as the procession is introduced at Tosaki-no-kawara near Yatsushiro Shrine and with performances by the shishi lions and Kida, as well as the horse runs.
Paid gallery seating can be found in front of JR Yatsushiro Station and Tosaki-no-kawara.
