Kingyo Matsuri, a famous water festival held annually at Kingo Hachiman-gu Shrine in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and messenger of the gods, who is believed to have brought rain to the area. Visitors can participate in traditional dances, such as the matsuri's iconic 'matsu' dance, and marvel at the beautiful lanterns and floats adorned with Kingyo, a type of goldfish native to Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 34.8724768, 132.0941667
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to witness the water festival's colorful preparations, and be sure to try some local specialties at one of the many food stalls nearby.
Cultural notes
The shrine is also famous for its 'fudosho', a traditional Shinto treasure box that is said to possess mystical powers. Locals believe that the fodosho can grant wishes to those who treat it with respect and make a sincere offering.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Kingo Hachiman-gu Shrine has served as a prominent Shinto shrine for over 900 years.