Misakubo Festival is a religious festival jointly hosted by Kasuga Shrine (Mukaichiba), Hachimangu Shrine (Honcho, Kamihara), and Suwa Shrine (Obata) to express gratitude to the local deities and wish for health, prosperity in family business, road safety, and a huge harvest. At this time, there are activities such as portable festival shrines, kagura dances, traveling musicians, the greatest costume contest in north Enshu, a firework display, and a palace float parade. It is only during this time that this normally quiet mountain town is brought to life and bustles with numerous visitors returning home and sightseers.
The history of costuming (or cosplay) began long ago around the Taisho Period (1912 – 1926) with its current rendition only coming about during the first half of the 1960s. The costume contest is a showcase of performances at four judging venues where they will decide winners and special prizes. Participants that don’t win will be given a participation award. Around 50 groups every year participate during the two-day festival.