A walking tour to experience the Kuromori Shrine Festival and the Geopark highlights in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture [held every third Saturday of July]

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The Kuromori Shrine Annual Festival is a traditional festival held by the shrine in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. This time, I participated in a walking event organized by the Miyako City Geopark Promotion Council, so I would like to introduce the outline, schedule, a...

Written by

Iwate Prefecture Coastal Regional Development Bureau

Hello! This is the Iwate Prefectural Coastal Regional Development Bureau, which is responsible for the coastal areas of the Iwate Prefectural Government. We are responsible for 13 coastal municipalities from Tanohata Village in the north to Rikuzentakata City in the south. On March 11, 2011, a massive tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake struck this area. Although we suffered enormous damage, we have been on the road to recovery thanks to support from all over the world. The area also places great emphasis on disaster prevention education, and has earthquake relics and facilities to pass on the history of the disaster. You can experience the history of reconstruction by walking with a guide. [Famous places in the north] Tanohata Village is home to Kitayamazaki, a series of 200-meter-high cliffs; Iwaizumi Town is home to Ryusendo Cave, one of Japan's three largest limestone caves; Miyako City is home to Jodogahama, a beach of pure white stones said to resemble paradise; and Yamada Town is home to Oshima (also known as Holland Island) and Koshima, both of which float in a calm bay. The Sanriku Railway is the perfect way to enjoy this region. Take a leisurely ride on the local line and enjoy the scenery from the train window. [Famous places in the middle] In Otsuchi town, you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains, such as Horai Island, affectionately known to the locals as "Hyotan Island," and in Kamaishi city, the Hashino Iron Mine, the site of Japan's oldest surviving Western-style blast furnace and a registered World Heritage Site. This area is also famous for its local performing arts such as Toramai and ShikaOdori, and you can experience these ancient traditions at events and festivals. [Famous places in the south] There are many spots where you can experience the region's unique nature and culture, such as Goishi Coast in Ofunato, where you can enjoy the varied scenery of the rias coast; the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum in Rikuzentakata, which disseminates the facts and lessons learned from the tsunami; and Roukando Cave, a limestone cave with one of Japan's largest waterfalls inside a cave in Sumita town. This is an area where you can enjoy the blessings brought by the majestic nature while also learning the wisdom and lessons of coexisting with the threats of nature. We look forward to seeing you all.

Table of Contents
Overview (Highlights of the Geopark, Kuromori Shrine and Kuromori Kagura)
Walking along the hydrangea path
A bustling shrine grounds and a Kuromori Kagura performance
Awaiting the dedication of Kuromori Kagura, a nationally designated important intangible folk cultural property
Information on how to participate (for the next festival)

Overview (Highlights of the Geopark, Kuromori Shrine and Kuromori Kagura)

The Kuromori Shrine Annual Festival is a traditional festival held at Kuromori Shrine in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan.

This is a wonderful event where you can see the Kuromori Kagura offering, as shown in the photo at the beginning of this article.

In addition, the approach to Kuromori Shrine is a beautiful walking spot. Every year, during the annual festival, Miyako City holds a geo-guided tour, so we recommend joining the tour and walking with the shrine.

In 2024, Kuromori Shrine's annual festival will be held on Sunday, July 21st, and we took a guided tour of the Geopark's highlights, Kuromori Shrine and Kuromori Kagura.

Kuromoriyama has attracted faith as a mountain that protects fishing and trade along the Rikuchu coast.

Kuromori Shrine, located on the mountainside, is a center of faith for the local community, and the Kuromori Kagura dance that is handed down in this area is a prayer dance performed during the New Year holidays.

Kuromori Kagura has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, and the shrine building of Kuromori Shrine is a tangible cultural property of the city. It is also a site (point of interest) of the Sanriku Geopark.

We walked about 4km round trip from Yamaguchi Community Center to the shrine, listening to a geoguide's explanation about Miyako's history and its connection to geography.

The approach to the shrine is decorated with red and white banners, giving the feeling of the annual festival.

The climb continues until Kuromori Shrine. About 4km (60 minutes)

Walking along the hydrangea path

The 2024 Kuromori Shrine Annual Festival was held on July 20th.

This is the time of year when hydrangeas are in full bloom. Even though the climb continues, the blue, purple, and pale pink flowers soothe our spirits.

As we walked and listened to the guide's explanations, we learned about the geology and history of the area.

A bustling shrine grounds and a Kuromori Kagura performance

The shrine grounds are now in sight. Many people have gathered, eagerly awaiting the Kagura dance that will be performed.

There are many thick trees, giving you a sense of history.

Awaiting the dedication of Kuromori Kagura, a nationally designated important intangible folk cultural property

The main focus of this event is to enjoy the Kuromori Kagura dedication performance to your heart's content.

The shrine building of Kuromori Shrine has been designated as a tangible cultural property of the city and is also a site (point of interest) of the Sanriku Geopark.

We wait with excitement for the dedication dance performance to begin on the shrine stage, decorated with fishing flags.

A powerful and elegant dance of tradition, vibrant costumes and solemn music.

Kuromori Kagura has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, and its high level of artistry is truly breathtaking.

Information on how to participate (for the next festival)

We would like to provide you with this year's information as a reference for your next participation.

Please stay tuned for the latest information on next year's event.

・Date: Sunday, July 21, 2024 (third Sunday in July)

Organizer: Miyako City Sanriku Geopark Promotion Council (0193-68-9091)

・Meeting time: 8:15am

Meeting place: In front of Yamaguchi Community Center (1-3-14 Yamaguchi, Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture)

・Nearest station: Sanriku Railway Yamaguchi Danchi Station (approximately 8 minutes on foot)

・Participation fee: 500 yen (including guide fee, insurance fee, and souvenir fee)

・Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

・Water is essential. It would be a good idea to bring some snacks as well.

・There are some steep slopes, so you may need to be a little physically fit.

Written by

Iwate Prefecture Coastal Regional Development Bureau

Iwate

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