At Asuke Shrine in Toyota City, the festival of the Hero of Asuke Jirou Shigenori, who fought for Emperor Go-Daigo’s Southern Court in the Genko War in 1331 at the battle of Kasagiyama in Kyoto, is held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of April.
In ancient times, this festival was usually held on May 3rd, the date on which the Hero Shigenori passed away, but recently it is held on the second Sunday in April, and the day before, during the Sakura (cherry blossom) season.
The 7 districts of Asuke Ward (Shinno-cho, Tamachi, Honmachi, Shinmachi, Nishimachi, Miyamachi and Juei-cho) Each Haguruma float parades through the streets of its neighborhood.
The Hanaguruma floats are beautifully decorated with cherry blossoms (sakura), wisteria and other floral arrangements, and teenage girls play Taiko accompanied by the band playing the Ohayashi festival music.
Young people called “Wakaren” maneuver the Hanaguruma through the streets, pushing and pulling energetically.
As it is a festival held with sakura flowers and beautiful girls, it is said that this spring festival is opposite to the autumn festival as it is held with strong men..
- Date: The festival is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday in April.
- Hours: Saturday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Aichi, Toyota, Asukecho, Miyanoato