Johana Mugiya Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include the vigorous Mugiya Odori performed by the men and the plaintive melody of Mugiya-bushi.

At Zentokuji Temple and Johana-za, local groups, enthusiast groups, and special guest groups from Gokayama perform together. You can also enjoy folk songs other than Mugiya-bushi.

At night, visitors and performers form a circle for the grand dance. A distinctive feature is that you can join Johana’s dance circle rather than simply watch.

A dance festival bringing Gokayama folk songs to life in Johana’s streets

What to expect

In the morning, the National Mugiya-bushi Competition is held at Johana-za, with singers competing in the general and junior divisions.

In the afternoon, a dance workshop is held in front of Zentokuji Temple, followed by performances of Gokayama folk songs at Zentokuji Temple and Johana-za.

The grand dance is scheduled to take place at Nishimachi Street at night, with performers and visitors dancing together in hand dances and hat dances.

How to take part

Some events are open to public participation.

At the dance workshop, anyone can learn the dance while holding a sugegasa (woven sedge hat).

Tourists can also join the circle with performers at the mass dance in the evening, freely taking part in either hand dancing or hat dancing.

You can join the dance workshop and the mass dance by going to the venue on the day.

At the workshop, you’ll learn the dance using a sugegasa (woven sedge hat), and at the mass dance, you can join the circle with hand dancing or hat dancing.

No advance registration information is provided. If you want to watch the competition at Jōhanaza, tickets for unreserved seating are available.

Location and access

Venue and address

Jōhana Betsuin Zentokuji Temple, Jōhana Traditional Performing Arts Hall Jōhanaza, and downtown Jōhana (Jōhana, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture).

Train and bus

It is about a 10–15-minute walk from Jōhana Station on the JR Jōhana Line to the venues.

From the west exit of Kanazawa Station, take the Kaetsuno Bus Nanto-Kanazawa Line to Jōhana Station.

By car

It is about a 3-minute drive from Fukumitsu IC on the Tōkai-Hokuriku Expressway.

On September 20, 2026, roads in the town center were closed to traffic from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., including Route 304 from Demarusaka to in front of the Jōhana Civic Center.

Parking

Parking is available, but vehicle restrictions apply in the town center.

For parking locations, capacity, and fees in 2026, follow the latest traffic restriction information.

Address Johana, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture (〒939-1861)

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, it was held for 1 day on September 20 (Sunday).

The schedule includes the National Mugiya-bushi Competition in the morning, a dance workshop and dance performances in the afternoon, and the grand dance at night.

The performances and grand dance were announced as canceled in the event of rain. The Mugiya-bushi Competition was held indoors at Johana-za.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

If you’re visiting by car, be aware of traffic restrictions and road closures in the town center.

Rather than driving between venues, it is best to park and walk between them.

The dance workshop, competition, and mass dance may be canceled in case of rain, so if the weather looks uncertain, check whether they are going ahead before setting out.

Nearby attractions

Museums and art museumsNanto City

南砺市立福光美術館

日本の富山県南砺市にある公立美術館

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写真：たけし / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Facility data source

Museums and art museumsNanto City

福野文化創造センターヘリオス

富山県南砺市の博物館・美術館のスポットです。

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

Photo and data sources×

写真：Opqr / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Temples and shrinesNanto City

高瀬神社

富山県南砺市高瀬にある神社

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写真：nnh / Public domain

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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 Johana Mugiya Festival

The first Johana Mugiya Festival was held in 1951, and it has continued to the present day.

Its background includes the history of Johana and Gokayama being linked by the former Gokayama Highway and trading silk thread, Japanese paper, charcoal, rice, and other goods.

Mugiya-bushi was taught in Johana in 1926, and Mugiya Odori was performed at the Johana 400th Anniversary Festival in 1950. These events helped build momentum for holding the festival.

Official information

For event information, see “Johana Mugiya Festival Schedule and Highlights” on the Gokayama NANTO Tourism Organization website.

For inquiries, contact the Nanto City Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Johana Office or the Gokayama NANTO Tourism Organization.

Johana Mugiya Festival at a Glance

The Johana Mugiya Festival is a traditional festival where you can enjoy Gokayama folk songs and dance amid Johana’s streets, at Zentokuji Temple, and at Johana-za.

At the performances and the Mugiya-bushi Competition, you can watch performances by preservation societies and local groups. At the dance workshop and grand dance, general visitors can join in too.

In 2026, it was held on September 20, and traffic restrictions were in place in the central area.