A Long History Dating Back to Ancient Japan
According to shrine tradition, Miwa Shrine was established after the deity was brought from Mt. Miwa in Yamato Province, present-day Nara Prefecture, during the reign of Emperor Sujin.
In 796, during the Heian period, the shrine was recognized as an official shrine together with Kamo Shrine. In 880, it was granted the rank of Shōgoi-no-ge, a fifth-rank court designation for Shinto deities. These records indicate that the shrine had already attained considerable religious importance in ancient times.
The Ueno-kuni Jinmyōchō, an ancient register of Shinto deities in the former province of Kozuke, records the shrine as “Juichii Miwa Daimyōjin”, reflecting its high status in the region.
Surviving Centuries of Change
During the Sengoku period, the shrine suffered a devastating fire that destroyed old records and sacred treasures. Despite this loss, local worship continued.
During the Edo period, Enmanji Temple served as the shrine’s associated Buddhist temple under Japan’s former tradition of combined Buddhist and Shinto practices. Local influential families also supported the shrine and helped maintain its activities.
During the Meiji period, Miwa Shrine was designated a Gōsha. It continued to develop as one of the important places of worship in Kiryu into the modern era.
A Shrine Complex with Many Forms of Worship
The grounds contain numerous sessha and massha, or auxiliary and subordinate shrines. These include Yasaka Shrine, Yagokoro-omoikane Shrine, Hata Shrine, Ichi Shrine, Matsuo Shrine, and Konpira Shrine.
The presence of so many shrines within one precinct reflects the layered nature of Japanese religious traditions, in which different deities have historically been worshipped together according to their particular roles and connections with local life.
Kiryu Nishinomiya Shrine
Among the subsidiary shrines, Kiryu Nishinomiya Shrine is particularly important. It enshrines Ebisu Ōkami, a popular Japanese deity associated with commerce, prosperity, and good fortune.
The deity was brought from the head shrine in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, in 1901**, and the shrine building was completed in 1905. With its impressive approach and dignified architecture, the shrine has long attracted merchants and business owners from Kiryu.
It is widely known by the title “Kanto Issha,” meaning the principal or only direct branch of its kind in the Kanto region, and is especially associated with prayers for commercial prosperity.
The Kiryu Ebisu Festival: A Lively Autumn Tradition
Every November, Kiryu Ebisu-ko transforms the shrine and its surroundings into one of Kiryu’s liveliest seasonal celebrations.
The event takes place over two days, consisting of an eve festival and main festival. Large numbers of worshippers gather to pray for business success and good fortune, while the surrounding streets take on a festive atmosphere.
Traditional Performances and Festival Activities
The festival features a variety of traditional events, including kagura sacred dances, Ebisu drums, lucky-item throwing ceremonies, and traditional mechanical puppet theater.
Because Miwa Shrine’s principal deity, Ōmononushi, is associated with Daikoku, while Nishinomiya Shrine enshrines Ebisu, the two shrines together represent two of Japan’s best-known Seven Lucky Gods. This has helped make the festival especially popular as a celebration of good fortune.
In recent years, additional events inspired by traditions at Nishinomiya Shrine have also been introduced. During the festival, nearby streets may become pedestrian-only areas, with food stalls and temporary stages adding to the lively atmosphere.
Kiryu Yagibushi Festival: A Summer Celebration of Music and Tradition
Kiryu’s festival culture reaches another peak in summer with the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival, held every August.
The festival has its roots in the Kiryu Gion Festival, originally associated with the worship of Gozu Tenno, later identified with the Shinto deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Over time, the festival became closely connected with Yagibushi, a lively folk music tradition from the Ryomo region, creating the celebration known today.
Three Days When the Whole City Becomes a Festival Stage
During the festival, extensive areas of central Kiryu are transformed into pedestrian-only zones. Festival towers known as yagura are erected along the streets, and performers dance in circles to the energetic rhythm of Yagibushi music.
Participants wearing traditional happi coats dance alongside visitors, making it easy for travelers to become part of the celebration rather than simply watching from the sidelines.
The festival also features mikoshi, portable Shinto shrines carried through the streets, traditional hoko floats, and a large parade. Events continue throughout the day and into the evening, filling the city center with music and activity.
A Festival Shaped by Centuries of History
The roots of Kiryu’s festival traditions can be traced back to the 17th century. The celebrations changed over the centuries while maintaining connections with the city’s religious and community traditions.
During the Showa period, several local events were combined, eventually establishing the modern three-day festival format. In 1988, the All-Japan Yagibushi Performance Competition was launched, and the festival adopted the name Kiryu Yagibushi Festival.
Since the Heisei period, traditional Gion floats and hoko processions have also been revived, reflecting renewed interest in Kiryu’s traditional festival culture.
The festival has continued to incorporate new attractions while preserving its traditional core. In some years, aerial displays by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force have added a modern spectacle to the historic celebration.
With more than 500,000 visitors attending in particularly busy years, the festival has become one of the largest summer events in the Ryomo region and attracts visitors from throughout Gunma and beyond.
Discover Kiryu Through Its Shrines and Festivals
Miwa Shrine, Kiryu Nishinomiya Shrine, and the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival each reveal a different aspect of Kiryu’s cultural identity.
At Miwa Shrine, visitors can encounter a religious tradition with roots extending back to ancient Japan. At Nishinomiya Shrine, the focus turns toward Ebisu worship and the long relationship between religion and commerce. During the annual festivals, these traditions become living celebrations involving music, dance, food, performances, and community participation.
Together, these sites and events provide a way to trace Kiryu’s development from an ancient settlement to a flourishing textile and commercial center, while seeing how traditional beliefs continue to play a role in contemporary community life.
A Cultural Journey Through Kiryu
For travelers exploring Kiryu, a visit to Miwa Shrine is an opportunity to experience the city’s history beyond its famous textile heritage.
Walk through the quiet shrine grounds, explore the auxiliary shrines, and continue into the surrounding historic streets. If your visit coincides with the Kiryu Ebisu Festival in November or the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival in August, you can also experience the vibrant side of Kiryu’s traditional culture.
From ancient Shinto traditions to centuries-old festivals and modern community celebrations, Kiryu offers a fascinating example of how history, faith, commerce, music, and local identity can continue to coexist.
When visiting this historic textile city, take time to explore Miwa Shrine and its surroundings. The experience offers a memorable glimpse into the traditions and stories that have shaped Kiryu for generations.