Akiba Festival

In February 11th every year, the captivating Akiba Festival is held in Niyodogawa Town. This is one of the top three festivals in Kochi and is over 200 years old. A procession consisting of participants of all ages wearing a variety of costumes and masks, walks slowly uphill for about 3km, carrying a mikoshi (portable shrine). The lively sounds of traditional musical instruments such as conch shells, bamboo flutes and Japanese drums can be heard as the 200 or so participants continue on their way past the tea fields. This music evokes an ancient time when instruments seemed at one with nature.A unique and mysterious dance using long cypress poles topped with black feathers is perhaps the highlight of the festivities. The poles are thrown between two people and the way they bend as they are caught is a real heart in mouth moment!