[5th June] One of the biggest festivals on the islands

A yearly festival at Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine in Okinoshima Town.
Perhaps the most well-known festival on Dōgo Island, during which the impressive Uma-ire-shinji ritual takes place. During this ritual, sacred horses carrying deities from different areas around the island gallop through the shrine grounds. The shrine ritual is to pray for a good harvest. Other rituals that take place include a rice-planting ritual and horseback archery.

Important notice: This is a religious ceremony. Do not cross the road while the procession is walking. Do not touch horses and people that are with them. They are believed to be servants of deities, that are carried by the horses. Do not stand behind a horse, due to danger of being seriously injured.