Fukaya’s Gion Festival: cutting wisteria vines to clear the mikoshi’s path
Fujikiri Gion Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- On the day of Yoigion, the fourth Saturday of July each year / Every year
- Location
- Fujikiri Slope
- Area
- Ibaraki Prefecture・Kasumigaura City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 10 min–1 h 30 min · limited express)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/20
The Fujikiri Gion Festival is a festival tradition passed down at Yasaka Shrine in Fukaya, Kasumigaura City. As the returns, wisteria vines and a large fish are cut at Fujikiri Slope to clear its path. Prayers are offered for the eradication of epidemics, bountiful harvests, and the well-being of the community.
About Fujikiri Gion Festival
The Fujikiri Gion Festival is a festival of the Fukaya district, which enshrines Yasaka Shrine.
At Fujikiri Slope in Fukaya, Kasumigaura City, an event takes place in which wisteria vines and a large fish are cut as the mikoshi returns.
Five communities—Fukaya 1 and 2, Kamigo, Tobu, Shimogo, and Makuta—take turns serving as the Kami and Shimo groups in a five-year rotation, supporting the festival as a community.
Cutting the wisteria vines embodies the wish to overcome hardship. Prayers are offered for the eradication of epidemics, bountiful harvests, and the well-being of the community.
Source: 藤切り祇園祭 | かすみがうら市公式ホームページ
Festival highlights
The highlight is the scene in which wisteria vines and a large fish block the mikoshi’s path.
Young men from the Shimo group vigorously circle wisteria vines atop the embankment to block the mikoshi, and members of the Kami group cut the vines with naginata.
Next, a large fish placed at the top of the slope is cut with a hatchet, allowing the mikoshi to pass.
The act of cutting the wisteria vines carries a wish to overcome many hardships.
Fukaya’s Gion Festival: cutting wisteria vines to clear the mikoshi’s path
What to expect
The mikoshi’s Kohama descent begins on the afternoon of Yoigion.
When the mikoshi reaches Fujikiri Slope on its return route, young men from the Shimo group circle wisteria vines to block its way.
Members of the Kami group cut the wisteria vines with naginata, then cut a large fish at the top of the slope with a hatchet.
The Fujikiri event ends once the wisteria vines and large fish have been cut and the mikoshi can pass.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Fujikiri Slope, Fukaya, Kasumigaura City
Address Fujikiri Slope, Fukaya, Kasumigaura City
Dates and season
- Season
On the day of Yoigion, the fourth Saturday of July each year
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Ibaraki Prefecture / Kasumigaura City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
かすみがうら市水族館
茨城県かすみがうら市にある水族館
Origins and History of Fujikiri Gion Festival
The Fujikiri Gion Festival is an event handed down as a festival of Fukaya Yasaka Shrine.
The festival was formerly held on day 21 of lunar month 6, but is now observed on the day of Yoigion, the fourth Saturday of July.
Five communities—Fukaya 1 and 2, Kamigo, Tobu, Shimogo, and Makuta—take turns serving as the Kami and Shimo groups in a five-year rotation, sharing responsibilities to support the festival.
It became a designated cultural property of Kasumigaura City in November 25, 1999.
Official information
Kasumigaura City Official Website, “Fujikiri Gion Festival”
Fujikiri Gion Festival at a Glance
The Fujikiri Gion Festival is a festival tradition passed down at Yasaka Shrine in Fukaya, Kasumigaura City.
The mikoshi’s Kohama descent begins on the afternoon of Yoigion. On the return route at Fujikiri Slope, young men from the Shimo group circle wisteria vines to block the way.
Members of the Kami group cut the wisteria vines with naginata, then cut a large fish with a hatchet, allowing the mikoshi to pass.
Held every year on the fourth Saturday of July, this event is designated a city cultural property and includes prayers for the eradication of epidemics, bountiful harvests, and the well-being of the community.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/20
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