By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Located in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli, there is one of only two remaining Tongxiao Shrines in the country. This unique structure, built during the Japanese colonial period, has now become an important local tourist attraction. In 2016, the “Tongxiao Shrine Tanabata Festival” was launched for the first time to boost its fame, not only combining traditional Japanese historical architecture with the Valentine's Day of Japan—Tanabata—but also featuring a fusion feast of Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine. This year, the local government has expanded the event, which will grandly take place on August 26 and 27, offering food tasting, wood carving performances, and free yukata (casual kimono) experiences.
The classic beauty of the Tongxiao Shrine (Image source / Miaoli Travel Guide)
The Shrine Tanabata Festival blends both Taiwanese and Japanese characteristics, featuring elements symbolic of Japanese culture such as the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), Japanese traditional dance, and yukata experiences, as well as traditional Taiwanese foods and cultural performances, including liu shui mian xian (flowing noodles), sesame oil chicken, fried glutinous rice, and live performances of Nangka music and jazz.
The approach path to the Tongxiao Shrine during the Japanese colonial period (Image source / Wikipedia)
This year’s event is divided into three main areas: the main activity zone at Tongxiao Shrine, the Hutou Mountain Fort activity zone, and the Cihui Temple activity zone. The main activity zone specially features displays and sales of Tongxiao rush grass crafts and wood carvings, and invites local wood carving artists to demonstrate their craft on-site.
A shaded pathway through the shrine (Image source / Miaoli Travel Guide)
Since the animated movie *Your Name* became a hit, the scenery of the Tongxiao Shrine in Miaoli has also sparked a tourism boom, attracting numerous visitors to take photos. Walking up the shrine steps under the dappled light and shade of the trees feels like stepping into a scene from *Your Name*. There are many historic relics here, including the shrine office, the first torii gate, the hand-washing pavilion, the approach path, stone lanterns, the second torii gate, the worship hall, the offering hall, and the main hall.
The exterior of the Tongxiao Shrine office (Image source / Wikipedia)
【Info】
Tongxiao Shrine Tanabata Festival
Venue: No. 8, Zhongzheng Road, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County (Hutou Mountain Park)
Dates: August 26 and 27, 2017
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》http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=15789