A moment of tradition and top-spinning skill, passed down at Kumamoto Castle
Higo Chonkake
The 2026 edition of Higo Chonkake has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/04/12Ended
- Location
- Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Square
- Area
- Kumamoto Prefecture・Kumamoto City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 10 min · flight time only)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.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Higo Chonkake is a Kumamoto City tradition that passes down the traditional art of spinning tops. Through performances, instruction, and open practices, the preservation society passes these techniques on to future generations.
About Higo Chonkake
Higo Chonkakegoma is a Kumamoto City folk tradition that passes down the techniques of spinning tops.
Through performances and instruction, the preservation society continues to pass these traditional skills on to future generations.
Performances and instruction are also offered through elementary school clubs, at social welfare facilities, and at community events.
Open practices and regular meetings are also held at Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Square.
Source: 肥後ちょんかけごま保存会へようこそ！ 熊本市無形文化財の伝承遊びを継承しよう - 肥後ちょんかけごま保存会ー熊本市無形文化財ー伝承遊びを継承しよう / 📅 年間行事 - 肥後ちょんかけごま保存会ー熊本市無形文化財ー伝承遊びを継承しよう
Festival highlights
Highlights include the preservation society’s performance, skillfully controlling spinning tops, and its graceful, beautiful fundamental techniques.
The society practices a wide range of techniques, from basic to advanced, and has also published videos of them.
At open practices, members perform for visitors, provide instruction, and rehearse.
A distinctive feature is the chance to see top-spinning passed down not merely as a game, but as a traditional performing art.
A moment of tradition and top-spinning skill, passed down at Kumamoto Castle
What to expect
Activities include preservation society members demonstrating top-spinning techniques, providing instruction, and rehearsing.
Open practices at Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Square are held from 13 to 15 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and are canceled in bad weather or when members are performing at an event.
Regular meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month from 13 to 14. In April, the meeting is held together with the general meeting; in August, meetings are suspended.
Annual events include the festival, promotion examinations, and instruction at schools and welfare facilities.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Square
Event venue 熊本県熊本市 熊本城二の丸広場
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
According to the 2026 annual schedule for Reiwa 8, the Chonkake Festival is scheduled for April 12.
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 Kumamoto Prefecture / Kumamoto City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Open practices are canceled in bad weather and when members are performing at an event.
Regular meetings are suspended in August. In light rain, they are held at the gazebo in Sannomaru Parking Lot; they are canceled in cases such as heavy rain or a forecast of flooding.
Nearby attractions
水前寺江津湖公園
熊本市にある公園
肥後の里山ギャラリー
熊本県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
くまもと工芸会館
熊本市南区にある文化施設 (1991 - )
リデル・ライト両女史記念館
熊本市中央区にある博物館
加藤神社
熊本県熊本市の熊本城内にある神社
北岡神社
熊本県熊本市西区にある神社
島田美術館
熊本県熊本市西区島崎にある美術館
水前寺成趣園
熊本市中央区にある大名庭園
熊本国際民藝館
熊本市北区にある博物館
熊本城稲荷神社
熊本県熊本市にある神社
熊本大学五高記念館
熊本県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
写真：910MoLT at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo source ·
熊本大神宮
中央区にある神社
Origins and History of Higo Chonkake
Higo Chonkakegoma is said to have begun among samurai during the time of Lord Kato Kiyomasa, then spread among children, who spun the tops enthusiastically.
The tradition was interrupted for a time during World War II, but volunteers came together in connection with the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle, and the preservation society was formed in Showa 44 (1969) January.
It was later designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Kumamoto City.
Today, the society performs and provides instruction at schools, welfare facilities, and various events.
Official information
肥後ちょんかけごま保存会公式サイト：肥後ちょんかけごま保存会へようこそ！ 熊本市無形文化財の伝承遊びを継承しよう - 肥後ちょんかけごま保存会ー熊本市無形文化財ー伝承遊びを継承しよう
年間行事：肥後ちょんかけごま保存会へようこそ！ 熊本市無形文化財の伝承遊びを継承しよう - 肥後ちょんかけごま保存会ー熊本市無形文化財ー伝承遊びを継承しよう年間行事/
電話・Fax：096-383-2818、096-245-3087
Higo Chonkake at a Glance
Higo Chonkakegoma is a Kumamoto City tradition that passes down top-spinning techniques as a traditional performing art.
The preservation society holds open practices and regular meetings at Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Square, and continues to perform and provide instruction at schools, welfare facilities, and community events.
The 2026 annual schedule for Reiwa 8 lists the Chonkake Festival on April 12.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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