Hōnen Festival (Kayo)

Festival highlights

Highlights include dances performed as the Michi-junē procession makes its way through the village, and a variety of performances that continue at the community center.

The lion dance shifts from slow, graceful movements to lively dancing. It is performed to ward off evil and pray for the well-being of the people of Kayo.

Chōja no Ōshu and Minami nu Shima are also distinctive; Minami nu Shima combines a stick dance with a hand dance.

The sounds of the sanshin and drums, and the procession moving forward as people dance with fans, are also memorable.

Source: 名護大百科事典 Nagopedia 試行版 - 嘉陽の伝統文化

A harvest festival carried on through prayers to the lion and Kayo dances

What to expect

At the festival, prayers for a good harvest are first offered at the Shīshiyā before the Michi-junē begins. The procession then sets off from the lion’s house.

The procession passes in front of the Noro-dunchi and other places on its way to the community center, with participants dancing as they move to the accompaniment of the sanshin and drums.

At the community center, performances including Chōja no Ōshu are presented, followed by the lion dance, Minami nu Shima, and other acts.

Chōja no Ōshu opens the festival, while Minami nu Shima is followed by a hand dance after the stick dance.

How to take part

Kayo’s Hōnen Festival is held as a local community festival and is not an event that members of the general public can attend freely.

Kayo Ward is not included in the list of wards described as welcoming visitors, and visitors are advised not to observe or stop by for Shinto rites intended for ward residents.

Please respect local events and contact Kayo Ward in advance to confirm whether visitors can be accommodated if you wish to observe.

Source: 名護市の豊年祭 | 名護市観光協会なごむん

Location and access

Venue and address

Kayo Community Center.

The Michi-junē procession sets off from the Shīshiyā, passes in front of the Noro-dunchi and other places, and heads to the community center.

Event venue 沖縄県名護市 公民館

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

The 2026 festival date is given as day 16 of lunar month 7.

Kayo’s Hōnen Festival is held every year.

Source: 各区豊年祭 | 名護市役所

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

As the Kayo Hōnen Festival is held as a local religious rite, please check in advance whether the district can accommodate visitors if you wish to watch or stop by.

Performances are conducted in the language of olden times, and lyrics or translations may not be available.

Please watch quietly from designated areas and follow local guidance so as not to disrupt the procession or the progress of the performances offered to the deities.

Nearby attractions

Parks and gardensNago City

ブセナ海中公園

沖縄県名護市にある公園

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写真：663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Museums and art museumsNago City

名護博物館

沖縄県名護市にある博物館

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写真：Bérangère444 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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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 Hōnen Festival (Kayo)

The Kayo Hōnen Festival is known to have been held since the Meiji period, but its exact origins are unclear.

Although the festival was forced to stop during the war, it resumed around 1946–47, after the war ended.

The Michi-junē procession used to take place over 3 days—day 13 of lunar month 7, the 16th, and the 17th—but is now held on July 16.

The period when the lion was brought to the area is also unknown, but records of the lion head suggest it may have existed from around 1631.

Official information

You can check the event dates and district contact details under “Hōnen Festivals in Each District” on the Nago City Hall website.

The listed contact number for Kayo District is 0980-55-8583.

Information from the Nago City Tourism Association also introduces the festival’s culture and performances, as well as etiquette for visitors.

Hōnen Festival (Kayo) at a Glance

The Hōnen Festival (Kayo) is a local festival passed down in Kayo, Nago City, on day 16 of lunar month 7.

Centered on prayers for a bountiful harvest to the lion, the festival features traditional performances such as the Michi-junē, lion dance, Chōja no Ōshu, and Minami nu Shima.

An announcement has also been made for the event on day 16 of lunar month 7 in 2026, but please check in advance whether the community can accommodate general visitors, and be sure to respect the religious rites and local customs when visiting.