Matsuri Guide

Name in Japanese and English

• 小町まつり（こまちまつり）
• Komachi Matsuri, a festival in honor of Ono no Komachi

History

The Komachi Matsuri (小町まつり, Komachi Matsuri) is held in the Ogachi (雄勝, Ogachi) region of Yuzawa (湯沢市, Yuzawa-shi, Akita Prefecture). It pays tribute to the great Heian-period poetess, Ono no Komachi (小野小町, Ono no Komachi), a figure associated here with numerous local legends, including memorial sites, tumuli, bridges, and springs linked to her stories.

The festival took its modern form following World War II: it began in 1953 (昭和28年, Shōwa nijūhachi-nen) to celebrate the completion of the Komachi-dō (小町堂, Komachi-dō), initially as a commemorative "Ono no Komachi-dō Matsuri" (小野小町堂祭り, Ono no Komachi-dō Matsuri). Later, in 1967 (昭和42年, Shōwa yonjūni-nen), the festival introduced one of its defining features: the Komachi musume (小町娘, Komachi musume), selected young women presented in attire inspired by the ichimegasa (市女笠, ichimegasa) hat, embodying the "Heian" elegance of the matsuri.

Today, the event is organized around a program blending dedication rites (readings, chants, and offerings), performing arts, and dramatic reenactments. The symbolic heart of the Komachi Matsuri is the promotion of poetry attributed to Komachi, featuring the dedication of seven waka (和歌, waka) and the presence of seven Komachi (a local reference to the "seven" sites or landmarks linked to the Komachi tradition in the area).

Location and Date of the Event

• Location: Komachi no Sato Kōen (小町の郷公園), near the Michi-no-Eki Ogachi (道の駅おがち「小町の郷」, Michi-no-Eki Ogachi “Komachi no Sato”); certain sequences may also involve the Komachi-dō (小町堂) depending on the year.
• Address: 〒019-0205 秋田県湯沢市小野二ツ森149 (Akita-ken, Yuzawa-shi, Ono Futatsumori 149).
• Access: From JR Yokobori (横堀駅, Yokobori-eki), approximately 15 min on foot; from JR Yuzawa (湯沢駅, Yuzawa-eki), approximately 20 min by car. By car, quick access via Ogachi Komachi IC (雄勝こまちIC, Ogachi Komachi IC) (about 3 to 5 min), with parking on-site.
• Date: Every year on the 2nd Saturday of June (毎年6月第2土曜日, maitoshi rokugatsu dai-ni doyōbi); precise times and format vary according to the annual program.

Proceedings

The Komachi Matsuri is experienced as an evening "outside of time": visitors come for the atmosphere inspired by the Heian period (平安時代, Heian jidai), the celebration of Ono no Komachi (小野小町, Ono no Komachi), and a series of scenes blending poetic homage, music, and performance. The park site, designed around a "Komachi legendarium" aesthetic, serves as a natural backdrop.

The main thread generally includes: a ritual opening with norito (祝詞, norito) prayers and purification by miko-mai (巫女舞, miko-mai) shrine dances; the appearance of the Komachi musume (小町娘, Komachi musume); the recitation/chanting of poetry and the offering of waka (和歌, waka) at the Komachi-dō (小町堂, Komachi-dō); and artistic performances, including acts by the Warabi-za (わらび座, Warabi-za) troupe in some editions.

The most spectacular moment is often the final scene, “Komachi Ōse no Zu” (小町逢瀬の図, Komachi ōse no zu), a dramatic reenactment (with sound, light, and narration) of the romantic legend linking Komachi and Fukakusa no Shōshō (深草少将, Fukakusa no Shōshō): this is the sequence to aim for if you want to "see the Komachi Matsuri" in a single image.

Practical Advice

Photos

For the best atmosphere, aim for late afternoon and night: the result is better when the stage and costumes stand out against a dark background (ideal for Komachi Ōse no Zu). Arrive early to find an unobstructed angle near the Komachi butai (小町舞台, Komachi butai) stage and avoid capturing heads in the foreground. A versatile lens (24–70mm) plus a small telephoto (70–200mm) covers everything; use a high shutter speed if the performance is dynamic.

Weather

Early June in Akita can alternate between mildness and humidity (rainy season: tsuyu（梅雨, tsuyu) depending on the year). Bring a waterproof layer, comfortable shoes (for standing/potentially damp ground), and a light warm layer for the evening if the wind picks up.

Transport

The easiest way without a car: JR Yokobori (横堀駅, Yokobori-eki), then a ~15 min walk. By car, access via Ogachi Komachi IC is fast; during the festival, anticipate an early arrival to park easily and avoid traffic jams when leaving.

Visitor Tips

For a "tradition + story" experience, combine the matsuri with a small tour of legendary sites: Komachi-dō (小町堂, Komachi-dō) and landmarks around Futatsumori (二ツ森, Futatsumori) linked to the Komachi/Shōshō tales. Regarding timing: the 2nd Saturday of June is the key rule—you can plan your stay far in advance and refine it once the specific annual program is released.

To Prepare

Cash (small stalls/purchases), rain jacket or poncho, power bank, insect repellent (evening), small towel, and for photography: rain cover for the camera/lens + microfiber cloth.

Sources & References

• Yuzawa Tabi (Yuzawa City Official Tourism Site): Komachi Matsuri

  Official page (Yuzawa City) detailing the date rule (2nd Saturday of June), the location, and the latest edition updates.

• Official Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association: Komachi Matsuri

  Tourism office entry with detailed descriptions (norito, miko-mai, seven Komachi, waka offerings) and practical info.

• Yuzawa City: Komachi no Sato Kōen

  Municipal page about the park used as the main stage for the festival, including access and contact details.