What it is
Tokubata Tenjin Shrine stands in the hills of Taka, in inland Hyogo. It honors Tenjin, the deified scholar Sugawara no Michizane, along with three kami of creation, and tradition says it was founded in the 12th century by Minamoto no Yorimasa, the lord of the area.
Most of the villages of its parish were flooded when a dam was built, but the people still return each spring for the festival. Teams from four districts carry heavy drum floats topped with red cushions to the shrine and swing them together in the grounds, keeping their community’s festival alive.
Kami of this festivalTenjinA brilliant scholar who died in exile and was feared as an angry spirit, then honored as a kami. Today Tenjin is the god of learning, and students pray to him before exams. Read the story →The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Saturday and Sunday | Yatai: Drum floats from four districts are carried to the shrine and swung together |
Which day should you go?
Sunday
The main day, when the floats enter the shrine grounds.
What to look for
Futon-daiko
Drum floats topped with stacked red cushions, carried on long poles by teams in blue and white.
Nerimawase
The teams lift, shake and swing their floats together in the shrine grounds.
The lake
Most of the old villages of the parish lie under the waters of a dam lake, but the festival continues.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka | Car via the Chūgoku Expressway | about 1 h 30 min – 2 h |
On the day. Tokubata Tenjin Shrine is in a rural area of inland Hyōgo. A car is the easiest way to get there.
Crowds. A small local festival.
Where to stay
Osaka or Kobe
Drive in for the day.
Nishiwaki
A small city nearby, with a few hotels.
When to book. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Getting there. Public transport is limited. Drive, or check local buses from Nishiwaki.
- Dates. The festival is held on a weekend around late April; the exact dates vary by year.
Glossary
Yatai屋台
A festival float with a roof, often carrying musicians or a small stage. The same word also means a street food stall.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Taka Town: tourism information.
- Matsuri Stream (Nippon Matsuri Network): Tokubata Tenjin shrine annual spring festival.
Last checked 2026-10-13.