A traditional dedication dance from Kui-cho, adorned with hats and taiko
Inao Shrine Gion Festival Dance
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year, on a Sunday close to July 15 / Every year
- Location
- Kui Inao Shrine
- Area
- Hiroshima Prefecture・Mihara City(From Tokyo: approx. 3 h 50 min–4 h 20 min · bullet train)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
- Required number of participants
- About 40 children perform the stick dance
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A traditional dance in which local residents make offerings at a shrine's in Kui-cho, Mihara City. A variety of performances, including the stick dance, , and a samurai procession, have been passed down through the generations.
About Inao Shrine Gion Festival Dance
The Inao Shrine Gion Festival Dance is a dedication event passed down in Egi, Kui-cho, Mihara City.
Held in conjunction with the reisai of Yaegaki Shrine, a sessha of Inao Shrine, people from seven districts in town, including Egi and Shimotsu, perform dances as offerings.
It is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture and continues as a festival tradition passed down by local residents.
It is usually held on a Sunday close to July 15.
Source: 稲生神社ぎおん祭のおどり - 三原市ホームページ
Festival highlights
Highlights include the dedication of several traditional performing arts, such as a samurai procession, the stick dance, dances, and shishimai.
In the stick dance, children wear shaguma ornaments on their heads and form a circle holding bamboo poles decorated with colored paper.
Performances include dances accompanied by , bells, and conch shells, as well as dances in which performers wear elegant hats and play small drums.
Source: 三原市久井町の夏を彩る!「久井稲生神社ぎお ん祭りのおどり」 | 三原市役所経済部観光課のプレスリリース
A traditional dedication dance from Kui-cho, adorned with hats and taiko
What to expect
During the festival, local residents perform various dedication arts in conjunction with the shrine's reisai.
In the stick dance, children holding bamboo poles form a circle and perform two kinds of dances to the accompaniment of taiko, bells, and conch shells.
Dancers wear elegant hats and perform nine dances, including “Michibiki,” “Isago,” and “Tsubone,” accompanied by small drums, large taiko, bells, and conch shells.
How to take part
The dedications are performed by people from seven districts in Kui-cho, including Egi and Shimotsu.
Children also take part as stick-dance performers, with about 40 people forming a circle to perform.
Please check the event-day guidance to see whether general visitors may participate as dancers.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kui Inao Shrine (1-1 Miyanomoto, Egi, Kui-cho, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
- Train and bus
Take a bus bound for Kōzan from JR Mihara Station for about 30 minutes, get off at Kui National Health Insurance Hospital, and walk for about 5 minutes.
- By car
About 15 minutes from the Mihara-Kui IC on the Sanyo Expressway.
Address 1-1 Miyanomoto, Egi, Kui-cho, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
Every year, on a Sunday close to July 15
- 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 Hiroshima Prefecture / Mihara City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
As the dedication event is held in conjunction with the shrine's reisai, please enjoy watching while respecting the shrine and local festival customs.
Follow on-site guidance regarding the location of the dances and music, the day's schedule, and areas open to spectators.
If using public transportation, it is a good idea to plan for the walk from Kui National Health Insurance Hospital to the venue as well.
Nearby attractions
広島県立中央森林公園
広島県三原市にある森林公園
Official information
Mihara City introduces the Inao Shrine Gion Festival Dance as a folk event in Egi, Kui-cho.
The event is organized by Kui Inao Shrine and is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture.
You can also check the official information from Kui Inao Shrine for guidance on shrine events and visits.
Source: Kui Inao Shrine
Inao Shrine Gion Festival Dance at a Glance
The Inao Shrine Gion Festival Dance is a dedication performance passed down with the participation of several districts in Kui-cho.
Enjoy distinctive local performances, including a samurai procession, the stick dance, shishimai, and dances featuring hats and small drums.
It is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture and is usually held at Kui Inao Shrine on a Sunday close to July 15.
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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