Chugoku · HiroshimaFestival
The autumn festival of Kibitsuhiko Shrine in the hillside port town of Onomichi, where three masked demons parade through the streets and tap onlookers for good health.
Overview
Three demons — Beta, Soba and Shoki — poke and tap children and onlookers with ritual staffs and implements. Being struck is believed to bring good health and ward off illness, so parents happily present their children to the demons.
When and Where
The 2026 festival is held November 1 to 3 at Ichinomiya (Kibitsuhiko) Shrine and through the streets of Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Getting There
The shrine is about a 10-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station on the San’yo Main Line.
What to Expect
The three demons dance and dart through the crowd to drums and shouting. It is lively, a little chaotic, and much loved locally — expect to be chased good-naturedly.
Tips for Visitors
Families come specifically for the demons’ blessing-by-tap. Combine the visit with Onomichi’s famous temple walk and hillside lanes. Early November is mild, but bring a layer for the evening.
Access and Map
| Dates (2026) | November 1–3 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Ichinomiya (Kibitsuhiko) Shrine, Onomichi, Hiroshima |
| Access | About 10-min walk from JR Onomichi Station |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Onomichi Betcha Matsuri |
Source: Onomichi Betcha Matsuri (official)
Image: Photo: そらみみ / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
