Horan Enya
A New Year Festival of Young Men Diving into Frigid Waters to Pray for a Bountiful Catch
This traditional festival, celebrated in Bungo-Takada City’s Katsura River, has been held for over 300 years to pray for abundant catches and safe voyages while welcoming the New Year.
Young men, clad only in loincloths, board colorfully decorated boats adorned with vibrant flags. As they row upstream for about 1 km from the river mouth to Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine, they powerfully chant "Horan Enya, Enya Sa no Sassa," creating a lively atmosphere. Onboard, two boys dressed as deities perform traditional dances, further enlivening the festivities.
When the boats approach the riverbank, the participants throw kohaku mochi (red and white rice cakes) into the crowd. It is believed that eating these mochi brings happiness, and spectators eagerly scramble to catch them, adding to the excitement.
The highlight comes when spectators offer gifts or donations. In response, the young men dive into the freezing river and swim to retrieve the offerings. Their brave and energetic efforts are met with loud cheers and applause from the audience, making this event a thrilling and joyous spectacle to witness.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Basic Information
- Event period
- January 4 (Sunday), 2025
Held annually in early January - Event venue
- Mouth of the Katsuragawa River: From Kotohiragu Shrine to Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine
- Event time
- Scheduled departure: 11:30
- Address (Japanese)
- 879-0617 大分県豊後高田市高田地区 桂川河口
- Address
- Takada Area, Katsura River Mouth, Bungotakada City, Oita, 879-0617
- Telephone Number
- 0978-22-3100（Bungotakada City Commerce and Tourism Division）
- Prices
- Free
- Car Park
- -Bungotakada City Hall Parking Lot
-Showa no Machi Parking Lot (Paid) - Access
- [By bus]
Approximately 10 minutes from JR Usa Station, get off at "Bungotakada" bus stop, then walk about 5 minutes
[By car]
Approximately 25 minutes from Usa IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway - Website
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
