Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri 2023: Cultural Adventure
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri
The Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri (留萌萌っこ 春待里), translated as the "Rumoi Waiting for Spring Festival," is an annual event typically celebrated during the second week of March. It serves as a way for the locals to welcome the arrival of spring. The festival takes place at Senba Park in Rumoi City, located in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri Details
The Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri may sound like your typical "spring festival" at first glance, but a closer look at the kanji reveals a more fitting translation: "village waiting for spring." This is an apt description for an event held in the cold, snowy month of March, where locals come together to celebrate and shake off the lingering chill of winter. At the center of the festivities is the thrilling Moekko Banba Race, where teams of eight people drag a herring boat weighing around 700 kilograms through the snow.
Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri 2023 - Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture
The Moekko Banba Race has a rich history. Originally, the highlight of the Yanshu Dosukohoi Winter Festival in Rumoi, this race ended in 1998 when the festival was discontinued. However, in 2008, a group of local women who were eager to keep the spirit of winter festivities alive brought the race back as part of the Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri, which was founded 10 years earlier. Since then, the event has grown, drawing participants and spectators alike to witness the spectacle.
Ella with Hito-KEN Mamoru-kun, the male human rights awareness mascot
Ella with Hito-KEN Ayumi-chan, the female human rights awareness mascot
Sadly, like many events, the festival was paused during the pandemic. This year marks its triumphant return, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri. It’s a special occasion, not just because of the festival’s longevity, but also because of the sense of resilience and community it represents.
Moekko Banba Race 2023
In the early years, teams from the Ground Self-Defense Force Rumoi Garrison were among the main competitors, with the event initially held at the Self-Defense Force field in Motokawa-cho. Over time, high school teams began to dominate, with the Rumoi Senbo High School baseball team and the Rumoi High School Track and Field team battling it out for supremacy since 2013. However, in 2016, a women’s team from Asahikawa City, trained in trail running, upset this dominance after rule changes gave them a 20-meter head start. The handicap has since been reduced to 10 meters, but the rivalry between teams continues to drive the excitement of the event.
2023 Rumoi Banba Race Results
Despite the short application period, this year’s festival saw 16 teams sign up, with the captains’ meeting and draw held on February 23rd. I was fortunate enough to join the Rumoi Chimidoro Team, which comprises my fellow teachers from Rumoi High School. We gave it our all and nearly made it into the top three, only to be narrowly defeated by the Rumoi Firefighters. Despite the loss, it was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience, filled with camaraderie and competitive spirit. Being part of the Moekko Banba Race was fun and a memorable way to connect with the community and be part of a beloved local tradition.
Rumoi High School "Chimidoro" Team 2023
The Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri is more than just a festival—it's a celebration of resilience, unity, and the welcoming of spring in the midst of winter's final days. If you find yourself in Rumoi in March, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Getting to Senba Park
Senba Park is just behind Rumoi Roadside Station. This means that you have a wide space for parking in case you come by car.
If you are commuting, ride the Horonobe Rumoi Line of the Engan Bus and get off at the Funaba Koen Mae bus stop.
If you're coming in by train, despite being literally behind the train station, Senba Park is still about 10-15 minutes away on foot from Rumoi Station.
Shari Shrine ( 斜里神社 ) is one of the main shrines of the town of Shari. It is located at 44-2 Honmachi in the town of Shari, Shari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Shari Shrine Shari Shrine Details Shari Shrine stands as a testament to the town's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Founded on August 21, 1795, by Murayama Denbei , a sushi restaurant contractor, the shrine has been a symbol of protection and prosperity for the community. Shari Shrine - Shari town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Shrine Rooted in Maritime Tradition Initially revered as a guardian deity for bountiful catches and maritime safety, Shari Shrine ’s significance grew alongside the town’s development. In 1836, stone lanterns were donated by Mikami Banshichi and Sumiyoshimaru Seiroku , subordinates of Tonoju, further solidifying the shrine's place as a spiritual anchor for the fishing community. Shari Shrine 's main torii gate 斜里神社 One of Shari Shrine 's chozuya Shari Shrine 's choz...
Kuriyama Park ( 栗山公園 ) is a spacious public park in the town of Kuriyama. The park is located at 2 Chome-38-16 Sakuraoka in the town of Kuriyama, Yubari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kuriyama Park Kuriyama Park Details Located at the foot of Mt. Daishi in Hokkaido, Kuriyama Park is a scenic and family-friendly destination that attracts over 102,000 visitors annually. Spanning an impressive 24 hectares—roughly the size of five Sapporo Domes—this expansive park offers a delightful mix of nature, recreational activities, and seasonal beauty, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Hokkaido. Kuriyama Park - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture Key Attractions at Kuriyama Park Welcome to 栗山公園 Kuriyama Park map Kuriyama town 's tourist map Nakayoshi Zoo: A Fun, Free Experience for All Ages Nakayoshi Zoo Animal feeding activity in Nakayoshi Zoo A major highlight of Kuriyama Park is the Nakayoshi Zoo , which offers free entry and is home to a var...
10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City Kaizuka ( 貝塚市 ) is a city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan . Kaizuka City was established on April 1, 1889, and became a city on October 1, 1943. The city is historically known for its production of wooden combs made from boxwood. The kanji used for its name kai ( 貝 ) means shellfish and zuka ( 塚 ) means mound. For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City : Kaizuka City manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kaizuka City . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common around the city. Kanda Shrine 2. Visit the Kanda Shrine ( 感田神社 ). It’s located near Kaizuka Station and can easily be reached on foot. It’s a popular shrine among locals so please make sure to keep the peace or the place. This shrine also celebrates the Taikodai Festival so if you time your visit in July then you might be able to witness it. You can also pay your respects and offer praye...
Fugoppe Cave ( フゴッペ洞窟 ) is a cultural protection and exhibition facility located at 87 Sakaemachi in the town of Yoichi, Yoichi District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fugoppe Cave Fugoppe Cave Details Tucked into the quiet hillside of Maruyama near National Road 5 in the outskirts of the town of Yoichi, Fugoppe Cave is one of Japan’s most mysterious and historically significant archaeological sites. Designated a National Historic Site on November 14, 1953 , this ancient cave offers a rare glimpse into post-Jomon period life through more than 800 rock carvings etched into its sandstone walls. Fugoppe Cave - Yoichi town, Hokkaido Prefecture What makes Fugoppe Cave truly exceptional is its rarity— only one other site in the entire Japanese archipelago , Temiya Cave in nearby Otaru, contains similar carvings. Among the more than 700 known cave sites across Japan, Fugoppe stands out as a unique treasure of prehistoric artistry and cultural expression. Location and Discovery ...
Bifuka Roadside Station ( 道の駅 びふか ) is one of the 128 roadside stations all over Hokkaido. It is located at 307-1 Ote, in the town of Bifuka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Bifuka Roadside Station Bifuka Roadside Station details Conveniently located on National Route 4, Bifuka Roadside Station offers visitors an enchanting experience with its medieval European castle-style building, designed by a renowned Italian architect. Situated against the backdrop of Bifuka Forest Park and the flowing Teshio River, this station boasts numerous outdoor amenities including hot springs, campgrounds, and cozy cottages. Bifuka Roadside Station was one of the first to be registered as a roadside station in Hokkaido. It was registered on April 22, 1993, giving it registration number 5. Bifuka Roadside Station - Bifuka town, Hokkaido Prefecture Bifuka Roadside Station takes pride in its extensive selection of local delicacies, highlighting specialties like "Mori no Shizuku," a refreshing ...
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us 46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog The Adventurer's List would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable reso...
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli...
Located beside Calle Marcela Marino Agoncillo in the town of Taal in Batangas, Marcela Agoncillo Museum is the ancestral house of the principal seamstress of the first Philippine Flag. Marcela Agoncillo Museum Marcela Agoncillo Museum History The Marcela Agoncillo Museum / ancestral house is a bahay na bato built sometime around the 1780s and is one of the oldest houses in Taal . The house was built by Dona Marcela's grandfather, Don Andres Marino . Dona Marcela inherited the house after the death of her grandfather and she chose to live in the house even after being married in 1889 to Felipe Agoncillo who would later on become known as the "First Filipino Diplomat". Marcela Agoncillo Museum / Heritage House - Taal, Batangas The historical marker of Dona Marcela Marcela Agoncillo statue found outside her house Read: The Republic Act 8491 contents Museo nina Marcela Marino at Felipe Agoncillo The ownership of the house was then passed on to the ...
Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces is a little-known place of culture and history. It is l ocated in Barangay Amgaleyguey in Buguias, Benguet in the Philippines. Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces Details Overshadowed by the fame of the Banaue Rice Terraces , the Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces are rarely visited by tourists. As a matter of fact, you won't see it in any travel blogs or tourist books. To those who have seen this place, they can attest that it is equally beautiful as its counterparts in Ifugao. Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces - Buguias, Benguet What makes Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces unique is the obvious fact that vegetables are the crops planted on the terraces instead of rice. What makes it more unique are the above-ground tombs that dot the terraces like dandruff on a green shirt from a distance. A perfect view from the view deck The culture of burying relatives on the terraces dates to the pre-Spanish period. Practical...
Located in the heart of Bulusan Volcano National Park in the town of Bulusan, Sorsogon, Bulusan Lake is an elevated lake that currently serves as one of the province's top eco-tourism destinations. Bulusan Lake Bulusan Lake Details With an elevation of 360 meters or 1180 feet, Lake Bulusan is believed by some to be one of the former craters of the still active Mt. Bulusan (Bulusan Volcano) . After driving for several kilometers, we finally found saw the signage that points us to our destination... Continue driving for 1.7 kilometers through this scenic road until you reach the parking area at the end of the road. Presently, the lake and the forest surrounding it are transformed into an eco-tourism destination. The entrance to the lake is found on its southeastern side and a road was paved to connect the lake to Maharlika Highway hence the possibility to bring your car along. However, keep in mind that parking here is limited so better come early to get...
Comments
Post a Comment