In Japan, it has been said since ancient times that there are eight million gods (yaoyorozu no kami) dwelling in all things.
Not only in nature, but also in everyday things like clothing, food, and shelter — everything around us is believed to be inhabited by gods.
But did you know that Toyooka is the only place where the Bag God is worshiped?
In this article, we will properly introduce you to the Bag God.
Where You Can Meet the Bag God – Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine
You can meet the Bag God at Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine, a small shrine located in a quiet residential area about a 20-minute walk from JR Toyooka Station.
It is a subordinate shrine (massha) within the grounds of Otai Shrine.
While Toyooka is now known for its bag industry, it all began with yanagi-gōri—woven baskets made from koriyanagi (Japanese willow), which grew in abundance in the wetlands (once called arahara) along the lower reaches of the Maruyama River that runs through the city.
Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine was originally known as Sugi (later, Sugi Mori) Shrine, and according to one legend, it is said to enshrine the deity of koriyanagi (Japanese willow used to make storage baskets).
In 1936 (Showa 10), in gratitude for the prosperity of the koriyanagi industry, a new shrine building was constructed through the enthusiasm of local businesses and supporters, and it was renamed Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine.
As Toyooka's central industry transitioned from willow basketry to bag manufacturing, the shrine's faith began to include bags, and it came to be known as the “Bag God Shrine” (though there are various interpretations).
This makes the Bag God, the deity of willow baskets — the root of Toyooka’s bag industry — a truly unique figure, worshipped only here in Toyooka.
- Address
- 15-6 Odai-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo 668-0024, Japan
- Phone Number
- 0796-22-2029
"Giving Thanks to the Bag God" – The Largest Summer Festival in the Tajima Area, Toyooka Yanagi Festival
Held every year on August 1st and 2nd in Toyooka, the Toyooka Yanagi Festival is the largest summer festival in the Tajima area.
The festival began in 1935 (Showa 10) to mark the construction of a new shrine building at Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine.
昭和29年度 柳まつりの様子
昭和29年度 柳まつりの様子
昭和29年度 柳まつりの様子
The Toyooka Yanagi Festival has over 80 years of history as the annual festival of Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine, where the deity of the willow, Yanagi no Kami, is worshipped. This shrine honors the rich history of the region, which was able to develop thanks to the establishment of Toyooka Willow Craft using the high-quality koriyanagi (Japanese willow) produced here. The festival is a celebration of the community's gratitude for the blessings of this industry, deeply rooted in the land and loved by the local citizens.
The Yanagi Festival kicks off with the Yanagi-no-Miya Grand Festival held at Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine.
Every year, many local businesses in Toyooka, along with those involved in the bag industry, participate in this event.
After the prayers and blessings during the grand festival, bag industry professionals receive “prosperity” talismans. These talismans are symbolic items that represent the wish for a prosperous year ahead in business, and they continue to serve as a protective charm for the bag industry.
For those who are unable to attend, these talismans are also available for purchase at the shrine.
After the Yanagi-no-Miya Grand Festival, a procession of portable shrines (mikoshi) and a children’s parade (chigo gyoretsu) take place.
In the evening, the Toyooka Odori is performed on Okaido Street (the Toyooka Station shopping district) by a lively group of over 2,000 participants, both children and adults, showcasing an energetic and captivating dance.
On the night of the 2nd, the festival concludes with a breathtaking fireworks display featuring about 2,000 fireworks.
The powerful star mines lighting up the sky one after another are truly spectacular.
It’s the perfect way to create unforgettable summer memories. Be sure to enjoy it until the very end!
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After purchasing your bag in Toyooka, why not head over to meet the "Bag God"?
Take a moment to pray for your shiny new bag and a wonderful life ahead.
Toyooka Yanagi Festival
■ Dates: Every year on August 1st and 2nd
■ Location: Toyooka City, Downtown Area (Fireworks display held at the Maruyama River riverbed)
■ Access: 20-minute walk from JR Toyooka Station on the San'in Main Line
Assisting in Your New Journey – Bag Memorial Service
Do you have a bag, such as a school bag your child used or a gift from a loved one, that you no longer use but can’t bear to throw away because of the memories it holds?
The Toyooka Kaban Association is now offering a unique “Bag Memorial Service”, where we will take your cherished bags and wallets filled with memories to Yanagi-no-Miya Shrine, the only Bag God shrine in Japan, for a special memorial ceremony. After the ceremony, the bags will be properly disposed of (through recycling, reuse, or safe disposal).
A certificate of the memorial service will be sent to you after the ceremony.
If you are having trouble disposing of a beloved bag, we encourage you to take advantage of this service.