Kanade – A Summer Prayer Festival of Wind Chimes

Just a 10-minute drive from our hotel, Kumano Taisha, one of the Tohoku region’s most beloved shrines, is known as the “Ise of Tohoku” and is famous for its legendary Three Hidden Rabbits, said to grant wishes to those who find them.

From June through the end of September, the shrine hosts its seasonal prayer festival called Kanade, where visitors write their wishes on colorful paper strips and hang them from beautiful wind chimes. Hundreds of wind chimes decorate the shrine grounds, filling the air with their gentle, refreshing sounds and creating a truly peaceful summer atmosphere.

Visitors are welcome to participate by writing their own wishes and hanging them on the wind chimes.

A limited-edition Goshuin (commemorative shrine seal) is also available exclusively during the Kanade festival.

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Enjoy the Gentle Sounds of Summer

Standing before the shrine’s main hall, surrounded by a cool breeze and the delicate sound of wind chimes, offers a moment of tranquility unlike any other.

Take your time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as the wind carries the beautiful chimes through the shrine grounds.

Festival Period

• June 1 – September 30

Visiting Hours

• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The gentle sounds of the wind chimes welcome every visitor.

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Watch the Wind Chime Video

動画「風鈴」

Please note that the video includes the sound of the wind chimes. Adjust your volume before playing if necessary.

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Beautiful Floating Flower Arrangements & Water Fortune Slips

Another highlight during summer is the shrine’s Hanachozu—a traditional purification basin beautifully decorated with floating seasonal flowers. The colorful display, together with the cool breeze and soothing wind chimes, creates a refreshing and calming atmosphere.

During the Kanade festival, visitors can also try a unique Mizu-mikuji (Water Fortune Slip).

Simply place the fortune paper in water, and your fortune will gradually appear.

Why not discover what fortune awaits you?

For more information about the festival, please visit the official Kumano Taisha website.

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Try Your Luck with the “Yuwai Rabbit”

At the shrine office, you can receive a charming rabbit-shaped fortune called “Yuwai Rabbit” (offering: ¥500).

This adorable rabbit reveals your fortune and makes a wonderful keepsake from your visit.

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Can You Find the Three Hidden Rabbits?

Behind the shrine’s main hall are three rabbits secretly carved into the woodwork.

According to local tradition, anyone who finds all three hidden rabbits will have their wishes granted and be blessed with happiness.

Take your time and look carefully from different angles—you may be rewarded!

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Why not spend a peaceful summer day at Kumano Taisha, surrounded by the gentle sound of wind chimes and adorable rabbits?

You may even find a special blessing—or a wonderful new connection—waiting for you.

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Kumano Taisha Shrine

Address: 3476-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For more information about the Kanade Festival, please visit the official Kumano Taisha website.
Official Kumano Taisha Website