Every winter, the coastal city of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture hosts one of Japan’s most dramatic shrine rituals — the Shiogama Hote Festival.

Held at the historic Shiogama Shrine, this unique festival features a sacred mikoshi weighing about one ton. Carried by dedicated bearers dressed in white, the portable shrine is carefully guided down the steep 202 stone steps of the Omotesaka staircase.

In this immersive video, we begin the journey at Shiogama Station and walk toward the shrine as the festival atmosphere builds. At the shrine grounds, children dressed in colorful ceremonial costumes join the procession, while the mikoshi bearers prepare for the intense descent.

Step by step, the massive shrine moves down the historic staircase before continuing its parade through the streets of Shiogama, bringing blessings to the community.

Experience this powerful winter tradition and discover one of Miyagi’s most fascinating cultural festivals.

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