As a pleasant autumn breeze passes through Kakusenkei Gorge in early fall, Yamanaka Onsen once again holds its "Koikoi Festival" this year.
Fitting for the birthplace of Yamanaka-bushi, it is a lively tapestry of song and dance in which town residents, geisha, and visitors alike join together.
The first day features a parade of adorable kindergartners, followed at night by a mikoshi procession and circle dancing (wa odori).
At midday on the second day, the Dai-jishi (Great Lion), Koi-koi Mikoshi (women's mikoshi), Wakashu Mikoshi, Shoro Mikoshi, and Owan Mikoshi each parade through the town. In the evening, all the mikoshi gather together in the square in front of Yamanaka-za, building to a climax with the Karami-jishi (entwined lion dance) performed by the youth group.
64th Yamanaka Onsen Koikoi Festival
Dates: September 19 (Saturday) and 20 (Sunday)
Venue: Yamanaka Onsen area, Kaga City
Hours: Approximately 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Inquiries: Yamanaka Onsen Koikoi Festival Executive Committee Office
Email: koikoi.festival@gmail.com
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koikoifestival_official/
This year also features a special performance of "Yamanaka-bushi Four Seasons Dance." Admission is free, offering a great opportunity to experience the charm of Yamanaka-bushi.
Koikoi Festival Special Performance: "Yamanaka-bushi Four Seasons Dance" (Free Admission)
September 19 (Sat): 12:00–12:30 PM, outdoor stage (moved to Yamanaka-za Hall in case of rain)
September 20 (Sun): 2:00–2:30 PM, Yamanaka-za Hall
Inquiries about the Four Seasons Dance: Yamanaka-za, TEL: 0761-78-5523
Photo courtesy of Yamanaka-za
Photo courtesy of the Yamanaka Onsen Koikoi Festival Executive Committee
Be sure to stop by the Yamanaka Onsen Koikoi Festival.
