The onsen season’s palanquin clash show is incredibly dynamic—hundreds of people carrying a 700-kilogram sacred palanquin in an intense showdown battle!

▲ The tremendous energy of giant palanquins colliding with hundreds of strongmen. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Beitou Report

The 2015 Taipei Onsen Season was held from October 29 to November 2 over five consecutive days. For the first time, four Japanese sacred palanquins were flown in to Beitou, where over 400 Japanese strongmen performed a grand “palanquin clash ceremony.” Nearly 700-kilogram palanquins were violently shaken and collided by the strongmen, not only drawing gasps from the audience but also symbolizing the shaking of the spirits within the palanquins to pray for bountiful harvests and prosperous business.

▲ Friendly ambassadors from Matsuyama, Japan.

The palanquin collision ceremony in Matsuyama, Japan, originates from the Edo period and has a history of 300 years. The deities enshrined at various shrines sit atop the palanquins and parade through the streets of their parishioners’ communities. Along the way, the palanquins collide with one another, creating a unique and vibrant festival in the Matsuyama area. This year, for the Taipei Onsen Season, four major sacred palanquins and their processions—including those from Dōgo Village, Morita, Kōtōjin, and Kitakōtōjin—were specially flown to Taiwan via chartered flight. Each of these imported palanquins weighs around 700 kilograms and costs approximately 6 to 7 million Japanese yen.

 ▲ The 2015 Taipei Onsen Season: The Dynamic Japanese Matsuyama Palanquin Clash Ceremony

▲ Each palanquin weighs about 700 kilograms and is operated by 90–100 strongmen.

During the palanquin collision, the palanquins are first adorned and defended with colored ropes. The strongmen then use their exquisite skills and coordination to vigorously shake the palanquins up, down, left, and right. Before the ceremony begins, both sides taunt and cheer each other to build momentum. At the command of the strongman atop the palanquin, hundreds of participants from both sides charge fiercely at the opposing palanquin, creating a thunderous impact sound and ongoing pushing and shoving. Watching this grand ceremony unique to Matsuyama live offers a powerful sense of the ceremony’s intensity.

▲ After the palanquins collide, the two sides press against each other, showcasing their fighting spirit.

In addition to the palanquin clash ceremony, the 2015 Taipei Onsen Season also features children’s palanquins, a Land God tug-of-war parade, and performances such as Ming Hua Yuan’s Taiwanese opera “The Monkey’s Gallbladder” mythological drama. There are also various cultural and food stalls showcasing Beitou’s local characteristics.

▲ Before the palanquin collision, both sides taunt and cheer each other.

In response to the Taipei Onsen Season, various hot spring hotels have also launched onsen and dining promotions during the event period. These include a 50% discount on the Tatami Hot Spring House at Shuimei Hot Spring Club and a 40% discount on soaking at Hefeng Hot Spring, among 20 different business offers. Chien Yuyen, Director of Taipei City’s Tourism and Travel Bureau, said that Beitou has become one of Taipei’s top ten tourist attractions and is a well-known hot spring destination nationwide, worthy of a visit for a relaxing soak. Zhou Shuimei, Chairman of the Taiwan Hot Spring Development Association, added that Beitou Hot Spring is the only hot spring in Taiwan accessible by metro, making it ideal for the public to enjoy with ease.

▲ Through the Taipei Onsen Season and the Taiwan Asia-Pacific International Hot Spring Association, stronger ties between Taiwan and other countries’ hot spring cultures are fostered.

In addition to today’s palanquin clash ceremony, further clashes will take place on October 31 at 09:00 and November 1 at 15:30. Those interested are encouraged to attend during these times. Organizers also note that vehicle restrictions will be in place during the event period and recommend using public transport.

▲ During the onsen season, local cuisine and promotional offers from hot spring businesses are also available on-site.

2015 Taipei Onsen Season
Time: October 29 to November 2
Venue: Surrounding area of Xinbeitou MRT Station