Japanese Omikoshi Shrine to Taiwan for the First Time – Celebrate the Taipei Hot Spring Festival in Beitou

By / Scenic Spots Home (compiled report)

The 2019 Taipei Hot Spring Festival runs from October 31 to November 4 around Xinbeitou MRT Station. The once-every-four-years Japanese Omikoshi prayer festival, plus many great offers, exciting activities including Ming Hua Yuan Taiwanese Opera, Starlight Concerts, parent-child DIY workshops, and challenge-based lucky draws, make this a perfect time to visit Xinbeitou’s hot springs.

After a four-year hiatus, the Japanese Matsuyama Dogo Omikoshi prayer festival is returning to Taiwan for the third time. In addition to fun events like kids’ Omikoshi parades, visitors can also experience the awe-inspiring traditional Omikoshi prayers once again. It will also coincide with the local “Fighting Land God” parade, creating a beautiful cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan, and showcasing the best of both cultures.

Visitors can enjoy the sight of children in traditional attire shouting in unison as they carry the shrine, alongside the iconic “Fighting Land God” parade, making the event even more captivating and adding rich diversity to the Hot Spring Festival.

During the last visit, Matsuyama’s Dogo Hachicho brought over 4 large Omikoshi shrines, including those from “Dogo Village Omikoshi Association,” “Mochida United Omikoshi Association,” “Xiao Tangren Omikoshi,” and “Bei Xiao Tangren Omikoshi United Association,” along with 400 carriers and staff. With true Japanese dedication, they delivered an authentic and powerful Omikoshi experience. Each Omikoshi measured approximately 160 cm in length, 180 cm in width, and 180 cm in height, with an 8-meter-long handle. Made from solid wood, each shrine weighed about 600 to 700 kilograms and cost between 6 to 7 million yen to build. Their return to Taiwan this time has excited many who have seen them before.