Gyoja Festival

The Gyoja Festival (行者まつり), held annually in early August at Dorogawa Onsen, is a vibrant celebration honoring the legendary return of En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo, from exile. This lively festival fills the town with energy as masked dancers, dressed in traditional summer robes, parade through the streets, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Japan's rich spiritual traditions. Rooted in Shugendo, a mountain ascetic practice blending Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism, the festival provides a window into a centuries-old cultural heritage.

The event is further enriched by the presence of Shugendo mountain ascetics, who participate in various rituals and performances, adding to the mystical atmosphere throughout the town. Visitors can witness ancient ceremonies, cultural dances, and traditional performances that offer a rare and immersive experience of Japan's spiritual and cultural landscape. Whether drawn to the religious significance or the festive energy, the Gyoja Festival offers an unforgettable experience that connects visitors to the soul of Japan’s mountains and its spiritual traditions.