Those who long for a quintessential Japanese atmosphere should check out the local 800-year old Kumano Shrine, famous for hosting the traditional Jiyugaoka International Friendship Mikoshi Festival every September. 

Kumano Shrine is the god of Jiyugaoka. A bright red-painted hall of worship and a guardian dog will welcome you. Unlike the main street, which is crowded with tourists, the calm space surrounded by greenery is just an oasis of nature.

The Kumano Shrine annual festival is held in September every year to pray for a good harvest.

There are lots of attractions such as the children’s portable shrine (Mikoshi) seen at Kumano Shrine, which boasts a history of over 800 years, the portable shrines carried by people from various countries, and the international goodwill portable shrines! There are many food stalls, so it’s cool to wear a yukata and go sightseeing in Jiyugaoka.