Sanba Tondo Shinmei Festival, Onomichi

Sanba Shinmei Festival Tondo dates from the 17th century and is designated as an Intangible Folklore Cultural Property by the City of Onomichi. Locals bid farewell to and see off the deities who came to visit during the New Year’s holiday as they return to the heavens.

Men and boys carry tondo towers made of straw and bamboo on their shoulders and, after dancing to music, throw them, along with other New Year’s decorations, into a fire, as an offering for good health and a bountiful harvest.

Schedule

• 12:30 Opening ceremony
• 13:00 Tondo parading
• 15:00 Lighting of the fires

Read more about tondo festivals in Hiroshima here.