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The Kiryu Yagibushi Festival is the largest summer festival in Gunma Prefecture. It takes place over three days starting from the first Friday in August. The venue is primarily located in the center of Kiryu City, including areas such as Honmachi-dori, Suehirocho-dori, and Nishikicho-dori. The festival originated from the Gion Festival of the Gozu Tenjin Shrine, known as the Kiryu Gion Matsuri, and later incorporated the folk song and dance performances of the Yagibushi from the Ryomo region, evolving into what is now called the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival.
Enthusiastic crowds gather around elevated platforms to form a dance circle, making it one of "Japan's liveliest intersections"!
The most distinctive feature of the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival is its "super participatory" nature. During the event, several elevated platforms are set up around Kiryu City for singing and dancing, where people gather to dance the Yagibushi around the platforms. Unbeknownst to them, the crowd gradually forms circle after circle, immersing the entire city in a joyful atmosphere of singing and dancing. Among the dancers are not only local residents but also many travelers from both domestic and international backgrounds who join in. Even if you don’t know how to dance, it’s fine—just mimic the movements of the dancers and you’re good to go. This relaxed way of participating encourages visitors to join in the vibrant festivities.
The greatest charm of the Yagibushi Festival is the freedom to join the dance lines!
The Kiryu Yagibushi Festival offers a rich variety of events, including a "costume parade," a competition to determine the best Yagibushi song in Japan called the "All-Japan Yagibushi Competition," and "Yagibushi dance activities," ensuring that both adults and children can have a great time. Additionally, there is a traditional festival called the "Kiryu Gion Matsuri," featuring a神輿 (mikoshi) and float procession filled with mystery during the deity worship ceremony. The passionate and exciting festival activities reach their climax on the final day, where all participants dance the Yagibushi together, enjoying the wonderful moments as the festival comes to an end.
Stalls stretch endlessly, offering a variety of delicious foods and opportunities to experience traditional Japanese games.
Furthermore, during the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival, a pedestrian paradise spans approximately 2.5 kilometers along the main streets of the city. Temporary trains will be added to the Watarase Keikoku Line and Ryomo Electric Railway to accommodate more people attending this summer celebration. Each year, around 500,000 people participate in the three days of the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival, which is more than four times the population of Kiryu City, which is about 110,000! If you have the chance, be sure to visit Kiryu City to experience the wonderful feeling of joyfully dancing to the Yagibushi music and enjoy the "most passionate three days in Kiryu!"
