Genpei Higyu Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the “fire ox strategy race,” in which teams pull giant straw cows mounted on steel-framed carts and compete for the fastest time.

In the general division, the cows were about 4 meters long, about 2.5 meters tall, and weighed up to about 700 kilograms, with flames lit on their horns.

The event was structured with qualifying rounds in the afternoon and a final at night, when the flames and racing cows created some of the festival’s most striking scenes.

Japanese taiko drumming and dance, a parade through town, kids’ dance performances, and a food stall village were also held.

A festival where giant fire oxen carrying history race through the city

What to expect

At the festival, participants pull straw fire oxen along a set course and compete for the fastest time.

There were general and children’s divisions, with qualifying rounds in the afternoon followed by final races at night.

In addition to the races, the program included stage events such as Japanese taiko drumming and dance, a parade through town, and kids’ dance performances, as well as a food stall village.

The festival depicted a historical surprise attack through competitions and activities in the city center.

How to take part

The race had general and children’s divisions, with places available for competitors.

In the general division, participants race while pulling a straw bull weighing about 700 kilograms, competing for the fastest time.

However, the age requirements, application process, and whether spectators can join on the day need to be confirmed.

The festival ended after its 2024 edition.

Location and access

Venue and address

In 2024, the main venues were Oyabe Civic Exchange Plaza and the Echizenmachi Shopping Street.

The address is Yawamachi, Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture.

Train and bus

It was listed as a 1-minute walk from Isurugi Station on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway.

By car

It is a 10-minute drive from Oyabe IC on the Hokuriku Expressway and a 10-minute drive from Oyabe-Higashi IC on the Noetsu Expressway.

Parking

In 2024, shuttle buses ran from temporary parking lots, including those at Oyabe City Hall and Crossland Oyabe. The parking capacity was listed as 800 vehicles.

The festival ended after 2024.

Source: メルヘンおやべ源平火牛まつり | 小矢部市 | 子供とお出かけ情報「いこーよ」

Event venue 富山県小矢部市 2024年の会場は小矢部市民交流プラザ

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Dates and season

No information is available about an event in 2026.

The Genpei Hiushi Festival came to a close with its September 28, 2024 edition.

It was traditionally held on the last Saturday of July each year, but in 2024 it was moved to September 28 due to the extreme heat.

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Nearby attractions

The Kurikara battlefield, which inspired the festival, is a place where visitors can explore Oyabe City’s history.

According to the story, Kiso Yoshinaka defeated the Heike army by attaching torches to oxen’s horns. The area has been developed as Kurikara Prefectural Park.

Nearby are Kurikara Fudoji Temple and “Kurikara Genpei no Sato Hanyu-guchi,” which has exhibition and information zones.

Source: 倶利伽羅県定公園・古戦場｜小矢部市公式ホームページ

Museums and art museumsOyabe City

小矢部市大谷博物館

富山県小矢部市の博物館・美術館のスポットです。

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Genpei Higyu Festival

The festival was inspired by the “fire ox strategy,” said to have been used by Kiso Yoshinaka at the Battle of Kurikara in 1183.

The Genpei Higyu Festival began in 1996, and the fire ox strategy race has been held since 1999.

The competition, in which teams pull straw cows, brought a historical military tactic into a modern festival.

It continued for many years, but ended with its 2024 edition due to a shortage of members on the organizing committee.

Official information

Information was provided for the Oyabe City Tourist Association’s guide page and the festival’s official Facebook page.

Genpei Higyu Festival at a Glance

The Genpei Higyu Festival was a festival that depicted the “fire ox strategy” associated with the Battle of Kurikara in Oyabe City as a race in which teams pulled huge straw cows.

There were general and children’s divisions, and in addition to the nighttime fire ox race, the festival featured Japanese taiko drumming and dance, a parade through town, and other activities.

The festival ended after its September 28, 2024 edition, and there are no plans to hold it in 2026.