Kutchan Akasaka Yakko

Highlights and activities

Highlights include the movements of the yakko carrying spears, long-handled props, and narrow boxes, as well as the procession itself.

Paying attention to the props and costumes reveals the art’s characteristics as a performance passed down from the leaders of daimyo processions.

Kutchan’s spirited yakko procession, carrying on the gestures of a daimyo procession

What to expect

At the event, performers from groups such as the Akasaka Yakko Preservation Society wear yakko costumes and carry props, forming a procession to perform the movements.

The main occasions for performances are the hono yakko procession at the Kutchan Shrine Reisai and the opening procession at the town’s summer festival.

As the procession moves along, spectators watch the yakko performers carrying spears, long-handled poles, and hassako boxes.

For details about the performance sequence and duration, check the information provided for the event.

How to take part

As a spectator, you can watch the movements performed at the hono yakko procession at the Kutchan Shrine Reisai and at the town’s summer festival.

Whether participants are recruited, age requirements, and whether advance registration is required may vary from one event to another. If information is available, please check the details.

Location and access

Venue and address

Kutchan Shrine grounds (476 Yawata, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido) and the town.

Train and bus

Take the Donan Bus for 8 minutes from JR Kutchan Station and get off at “Yawata Nursery School.”

Source: 倶知安神社例大祭2026 – JAPAN NISEKO KUTCHAN / 倶知安神社 - 北海道神社庁のホームページ

Address 476 Yawata, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido

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Dates and season

Season

At the end of July each year

Frequency

Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Akasaka Yakko is performed in processions and at hono events, so it is important to watch from a place that does not obstruct the proceedings.

The venue may be split between the grounds of Kutchan Shrine and locations around town, so check the event-day locations before moving between them.

When the procession passes, follow the directions of nearby visitors and event staff.

Check the event information for conditions specific to the day, such as weather and traffic restrictions.

Nearby attractions

NatureKutchan Town · Niseko

ニセコアンヌプリ

北海道ニセコ町と倶知安町にまたがる山

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Facility data source

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 Kutchan Akasaka Yakko

In Kutchan, it began in 1933 (Showa 8), when the First Youth Association, guided by Masutaro Suyama and Muraso Sato, performed it as a hono offering.

After being interrupted by the war, it was revived and has been preserved and passed down by people in the Yahata district.

It was designated an intangible folk cultural property of the town on July 1, 1985.

Official information

参考資料：公式・博物館資料↗

Kutchan Akasaka Yakko at a Glance

Kutchan Akasaka Yakko is a folk performing art passed down as part of Kutchan’s local culture, featuring yakko movements reminiscent of the procession leaders in daimyo processions of the Edo period.

A line of performers with kamahige-style facial hair, carrying spears, long-handled poles, and hassako boxes, displays bold movements.

It has been preserved since its first hono in Showa 8, after a wartime interruption and postwar revival, and was designated an intangible folk cultural property by the town in 1985.

It is performed at events such as the Kutchan Shrine Reisai, held at the end of July each year.