On Niigata Prefecture's Sado Island, you can enjoy a variety of local traditional performing arts as well as cherry blossoms at Shinbo Matsuri!
This Festival is hosted by Shinbo Hachimangu Shrine. Four Onidaiko groups dedicate their performances in front of the worship hall, and other rituals, such as Sagariha musical performance and Yabusame (horseback archery), also take place. Bunya Puppet plays and other local traditional performing arts are shown at Taikeiji Temple next door. Quaint stalls create a make-shift market atmosphere where you can savor simple sweet treats or pick up some handicrafts.
If you stroll around the Shinbo area, you might even run into an Onidaiko group doing Kadozuke (door-to-door entertainment) at every house of the community. The Sakura trees on the path to Hachimangu Shrine are also in bloom. Lit up with lanterns in the evening, the precinct of the shrine is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
When: April 15
Where: Shinbo Hachimangu Shrine
〒952-1208 Sado City, Kanai, Shinbo-Otsu 1109-1
