大山祇神社　御田植祭

The Otaue Festival at the Mount Shikyu Shrine is a traditional event in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, celebrating the sowing and harvest of crops. Held annually, this festival attracts countless believers and tourists who come to participate, aimed at thanking the agricultural deities and promoting the prosperity of the land. The history of the Otaue Festival can be traced back centuries when local residents expressed their reverence and gratitude to nature. The festival features traditional rice planting ceremonies, with participants often dressed in traditional attire, showcasing a rich local culture. Over time, this festival has become one of the most anticipated events of the year, preserving ancient customs while attracting more and more tourists from afar. In addition to the rice planting ceremonies, the festival includes various cultural performances and food stalls, allowing everyone to dive deep into local characteristics and customs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional music, dance performances, and authentic local cuisine, enhancing cultural exchange and allowing everyone to feel the unique festive atmosphere of Japan. With the changing of the seasons, the Otaue Festival has also become an important community event, representing the inheritance of agricultural culture and the unity of the local society. For both local residents and visiting tourists, this festival is an unmissable celebration of the harvest, letting everyone experience the beauty of nature and the vitality of life.