Do you know? From 3rd until 5th May, it is Golden Week time at Japan! (*^v^*) This time I went to Hōjō Godai Matsuri at Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. This festival main event is the big parade of more than 1,000 (this year approximately 1,700) people wearing Japanese traditional warrior clothes. The parade is an appreciation to the last 5th leader of Hōjō clan before the war period (sengoku) ends and eventually Japan merge into one nation.

Parade

We went on the first day to see the parade. This year is the 51st Hōjō Godai Festival. A lot of people come and because it’s a holiday in Japan, the train got more congested than usual. When you arrived at Odawara station, there will be people wearing traditional clothes and little scout girls handing the festival pamphlet.

So, the opening starts at 12 p.m. under the burning sun, the marching band group started to play the music and the color guard give their best with the flag. There are also Japanese traditional drum performance (wa-daiko) and also speeches (I am not sure but probably it was about Hōjō clan and history stuff). Here are some of the photos from the opening and also “sneak-peak” from the parade member. 

The first picture is Hōjō clan symbol. The next picture is cute little girls in ninja outfit ready for the parade! The lower pictures is the opening from back side and front side.

The parade start around 12.30 p.m. It start from the castle gate, going around the town and then go back again to the main castle. Here are some pictures from parade! Marching band group, scout, firefighter, and football player start the parade. Then, around 1,700 people were wearing Japanese kacchuu and kimono.

You can also participate in the parade. We provide the tourist association number and also the matsuri homepage. You can try to give them a call. (Sorry, I can’t give detailed information this time because I didn’t participate at the parade myself)

Other Things at Hōjō Matsuri

Give Your Best Pose

Not only seeing the parade, you can also take pictures! (*^o^*) I took these pictures at several places. Upper left at Odawara castle, near the shops. Lower left was after the parade, we are very lucky to catch the beautiful princessess and ask for a picture. Right side was at the stamp rally check point. On the upper right picture you can see there was this little boy playing sword with me, hahaha. Over there they lend ninja outfit for the kids

Stands at Castle Garden

I ate seafood sausages, shellfish and squid flavor (first picture) and then grilled fish (aji and saba) and grilled squid. I really like the grilled fish, taste so delicious! You can also find many different kind of food, like okonomiyaki, yakisoba, fried kamaboko, et cetera.

We also found Kashiwagi Art Foundry stall! With the wind blows, the ringing wind chime adding fanfare to the matsuri atmosphere.

Keep It Clean

I came across these funny-looking guys at festival. At first I thought they are mascot from one of the shop. But actually, they are a volunteer, picking up trash and even the writing on their costume says “Please stop littering”.

Not only these people, if you see the parade,in every parade group (warriors, ninjas, scouts, etc) there will be 1 or 2 person bringing “portable” trash can and picking up garbage. There are also volunteers in usual clothes also picking garbage here and there.
Usually after festival or big event there will be garbage all over the place. But, with this way, even after festival it will still be clean. I am very amazed by how they keep the environment clean.

Stamp Rally

At the first day of matsuri, there is a stamp rally event! Too bad we didn’t finished it *cry*
Basically, you go to all the checkpoint around Odwara city and collect the stamp to get a present from Odawara tourist association. I am pretty sure they will do this again every festival, make sure to remember it and go early to collect the stamp! (I went a little late because I only tought of seeing the parade, thus making me late and don’t have enough time to collect the stamp ;A; )

Come and See

Some advice for you who plan to see this matsuri (hopefully) next year 😉
First, wear hat, sunglasses, sun block, whatever it is. I don’t know why they have to make the festival at 12 o’clock, the hottest time of the day. I underestimated the power of sun because I think it still not that hot (compared to my country) but actually when I go home later that day I got sun burn all over my face and hands x_x

Second, come to Odawara at least 1 hour before and take a spot to see the parade! This year there were so many people came, I hardly get a nice place to take pictures (and I am sure next year will be more congested because you guys read this article (*^o^*) 

Third, its optional, but you can bring picnic sheet. Bringing food is not necessary though. There are plenty of little shops at Odawara castle garden and you can buy various Japanese food. (Like the picture up there.) Just you probably prefer to sit under the tree and enjoy the food rather than sit on the hot bench.

Together with Hōjō Godai Festival, there is also annually omikoshi procession Matsubara shrine. The picture below was taken on the first day of the matsuri, they are preparing the omikoshi. Thank you for reading and make sure you come back to read the next article about omikoshi procession. Stay tuned!

-Vivi-

Information

* Please refer to the latest info before visiting the place.