祭概要

絢爛豪華な太夫たちに魅せられる！悲劇の幼帝を偲ぶ、歴史ある慰霊祭事


1185年の壇ノ浦の戦いで、幼くして海に身を投じ崩御された安徳天皇。その御命日から3日間、赤間神宮で執り行われる祭事が先帝祭です。特に有名なのが、5月3日の「上臈参拝（じょうろうさんぱい）」。平家の女官上臈たちが毎年の御命日に礼拝したのが始まりとされ、今もその志を継いでいます。5人の太夫（たゆう）が稚児（ちご）・警固（けいご）・官女（かんじょ）・禿（かむろ）を従え、外八文字（そとはちもんじ）と呼ばれる足運びを披露する様はまさに絢爛豪華です。最終日の「御神幸祭」では、御鳳輦（ごほうれん）を中心とした行列も見られます。

5月3日には特産物の献上や芸能の奉納なども行われます。特に4人の巫女が乙姫のように舞う、神前神楽「扇の舞」は見事です。

Be captivated by the elegance of the high ranking courtesans!
A historic ritual held in memory of a tragic young emperor.

The young Emperor Antoku died in 1185 during the Battle of Dannoura when he was thrown into the ocean. The Sentei Festival is held at Akama Shrine for three days starting on the anniversary of his death. The court lady worshipping event on May 3 is particularly famous. It is a ritual that has continued ever since high-ranking court ladies of the Taira Clan started holding their worshipping services every year on the anniversary of his death. The sight of the five high-ranking courtesans accompanied by a girl, guard, court lady, and attendant wearing tall wooden clogs facing outwards is truly spectacular. Portable Gohoren shrines can be seen carried through the streets on the final day during the festival, celebrating the transfer of the deity.

Events such as the presenting of special local products and dedications made to performing arts are also held on May 3. The Shinto “Fan Dance”, where 4 female attendants dance like the princess of the undersea palace, is a particular sight to see.

祭基本情報