Mibu no Hanadaue

A traditional agricultural event which celebrates the gods of the fields and prays for a tranquil rice growing season as well as abundant harvests. The festival is designated a prefectural and national Intangible Folk Cultural Property as well as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival's roots lie in the practice of hayashida, musical accompaniment provided to help ease the heavy burden of rice planting and harvesting and improve farm work efficiency. Decorated cattle help plow the field as young women sing songs to musical accompaniment and busily plant rice, creating a gorgeous scene like something straight out of a historical picture scroll.