Kiryu Yagibushi Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include Yagibushi dancing around the yagura and traditional mikoshi processions.

Yagibushi events include the All-Japan Yagibushi Competition and Dance Yagibushi, where participants compete in singing, dancing, and original dance routines.

In some years, hoko floats are also paraded and passed between one another, creating a stately festival atmosphere alongside Gion floats and large banners.

The Mechakucha Market, which sells textile products, is another event characteristic of Kiryu.

Source: 第63回桐生八木節まつり｜桐生市ホームページ

A Kiryu summer festival filled with the sounds of Yagibushi and the presence of mikoshi

What to expect

The festival unfolds across several streets and venues, with Yagibushi performances, dancing, mikoshi processions, parades, and other events.

In the evening, Yagibushi dancing continues around yagura stages at various locations, with dancers forming circles and enjoying themselves.

Events for children include the Yagibushi Children's Competition and the Children's Mikoshi Festival, where local children perform dances and hayashi music and show off handmade mikoshi.

Since venues and times differ by event, visitors should check the day's event schedule as they make their way around.

How to take part

Festivalgoers can enjoy not only watching the Yagibushi dance circle but also joining in spontaneously.

The Yagibushi performance competition and Dance Yagibushi are events where performers compete, while the dancing around the yagura is arranged so spectators can easily join in the festival.

There are also competitions for children and a mikoshi festival, but performer eligibility and application procedures vary by event.

For applications to perform in individual events in 2026, check the event information.

Location and access

Venue and address

Honcho-dori, Suehirocho-dori, Nishikicho-dori, and other streets in central Kiryu City.

In 2026, the venue is listed as “various locations in Kiryu City.”

Train and bus

The nearest stations are JR Kiryu Station, Nishi-Kiryu Station on the Jomo Electric Railway, and Shin-Kiryu Station on the Tobu Railway.

By car

Traffic restrictions apply during the festival.

Parking

Parking is available at the City Hall and Civic Cultural Hall parking lot.

Source: 桐生八木節キャンペーンスタッフ活動情報｜桐生市ホームページ

Address Honcho, Suehirocho, Nishikicho, and other areas of Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 63rd Kiryu Yagibushi Festival in 2026 was held over 3 days, from August 7 (Friday) to August 9 (Sunday).

The event runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 7, and from noon to 10 p.m. on August 8 and the 9th.

Events such as Yagibushi, mikoshi processions, and dancing are scheduled on each day.

The 2026 event information is no longer current.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The 2026 event information said that rest areas would be set up at various locations around the venue to help people escape the heat, and that anyone could use them.

As a general rule, visitors are asked to refrain from drinking alcohol or eating in the rest areas; they can use them to rehydrate.

Traffic restrictions are also in place during the festival, so if you are driving, check the restriction information and parking guidance in advance.

Yagibushi and the various events take place at different venues and times, so it is a good idea to check where the event you want to see is being held before moving on.

Nearby attractions

Museums and art museumsKiryu City

大川美術館

群馬県桐生市にある美術館

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写真：Abasaa / Public domain

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Parks and gardensKiryu City

桐生が岡公園

群馬県桐生市にある公園

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写真：Salt256 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Temples and shrinesKiryu City

桐生天満宮

群馬県桐生市にある神社

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写真：Ki-ak / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Museums and art museumsKiryu City

絹撚記念館

群馬県桐生市にある旧桐生撚糸会社の事務所

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写真：photo: Qurren ( talk ) Taken with Canon IXY 430F (Digital IXUS 245 HS) / CC BY-SA 3.0

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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 Kiryu Yagibushi Festival

The roots of the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival lie in the festival of Gozu Tennō Shrine, which was located in Kiryu Shinmachi 3-chome.

The oldest record of the festival dates to Meireki 2 (1656), and this year is considered the origin of the Kiryu Gion Festival.

In Showa 39 (1964), several events and festivals were consolidated, and the first Kiryu Festival was held.

The All-Japan Yagibushi Competition began in Showa 63 (1988), and “Yagibushi” was added to the festival's name.

Official information

The 2026 event information can be found on the Kiryu City official website under “63rd Kiryu Yagibushi Festival.”

Information is provided on event dates and times, heat precautions, rest areas, and traffic restrictions.

Kiryu City's Tourism and Exchange Division handles inquiries.

Kiryu Yagibushi Festival at a Glance

The Kiryu Yagibushi Festival is a summer festival where visitors can enjoy a variety of events in the city center, centered on mikoshi processions for the Kiryu Gion Festival and Yagibushi dancing and competitions.

People can join in the dancing around the yagura, bringing traditional performing arts within easy reach.

The event was held from August 7 to the 9th in 2026, with rest areas set up at various venues.