Rich Leisure Activities in Kuwana City
Kuwana City boasts a variety of tourist attractions to suit all tastes. For thrill-seekers, Nagashima Spa Land features the Steel Dragon 2000, Japan’s longest roller coaster at 2,479 meters, offering an exhilarating ride.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, Nabana no Sato is a great choice, where you can enjoy the beauty of seasonal flowers year-round. In winter, the garden is illuminated, creating a mesmerizing display of flowers and lights.
After a day of exploration in Kuwana, you can unwind at Nagashima Onsen’s open-air bath, harmonized with nature, reflecting on your day and relaxing your tired body. With many other attractions available, Kuwana is an ideal destination for a rich and diverse leisure experience.
Quoted from Kita Ise de Asobou
Head to the Tado Festival!
Location: Tado Taisha Shrine (1681 Tado, Tado-cho, Kuwana City)
Dates: May 4th and 5th every year
Access: 15-minute walk from Yoro Railway’s Tado Station, or 10 minutes from Kuwana Higashi IC on the Higashi-Meihan Expressway.
Website: Tado Taisha Shrine Official Website
The Tado Festival is renowned for its unique events like the Ageuma Shinto Ritual and the Yabusame Ritual, attracting tens of thousands of spectators annually. The Ageuma Shinto Ritual is particularly famous for its unconventional and dramatic method of foretelling the year’s agricultural season and crop yields, earning it the title of “Heavenly Strange Festival.”
The origins of the Ageuma Shinto Ritual date back to the Ryakuo era of the Nanboku-cho period (1338-1341), where it is believed that a young samurai from a local ruling family began the tradition by riding a horse up a steep slope as a test of courage.
However, in the 2nd year of Genki (1571), records were lost due to the fires set by Oda Nobunaga’s troops, leaving the exact origins of the festival somewhat uncertain.
Quoted from the Tado Taisha Shrine Official Website
The Spectacular Horseback Ceremony by Young Riders!
The highlight of the Tado Festival, known as the “Ageuma Shinto Ritual,” is performed by none other than young boys and teenagers as the riders. This is one of the reasons the Tado Festival is considered one of Japan’s most unique and extraordinary festivals.
On May 4th, the riders are dressed in traditional war hats and hakama, while on May 5th, they wear warrior costumes adorned with floral decorations. They ride their horses up a steep, nearly vertical slope beside the stone steps, which is only about 2 meters wide. The manner in which the horse ascends this slope is believed to predict the agricultural fortunes for the year.
The young riders undergo approximately one month of rigorous horseback training to prepare for this event. Some may sustain injuries and have to withdraw, but those who persevere adhere to strict traditions and face the challenge on the day of the ritual. The sight of these small, valiant samurai showcasing their superb horseback skills is truly awe-inspiring.
After the Ageuma Shinto Ritual, a procession of portable shrines (mikoshi) takes place, followed by the Yabusame (horseback archery) ceremony. The Ageuma Shinto Ritual was designated an Intangible Cultural Property by Mie Prefecture in 1968.
Watch detailed video here
Witness the Courage of Young Samurai Riders!
You won’t find such a display of youthful bravery and skill anywhere else. Despite their small stature, the young riders’ mastery of their horses is extraordinary. They have been training diligently for this day, so please come and support these courageous young warriors.
Cover image courtesy of Tado Town Tourism Association Official Website.
(Edited by 千八乃)
