Niisato Festival

Festival highlights

The highlight is the variety of programs running from day into night.

The first half features activities children can enjoy, such as goldfish scooping, a mini train, fire safety and disaster-prevention experiences, bubble-blowing activities, and ice-sculpture demonstrations.

From the evening, the program moves on to the children’s Yagibushi, Niisato Taiko, Yagibushi, and entertainment live performances.

The festival concludes with approximately 2,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky.

A summer festival linking Yagibushi and taiko, children’s smiles, and fireworks

What to expect

The festival begins with an opening ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by activities such as goldfish scooping, a mini train, and fire safety and disaster-prevention experiences.

In the afternoon, there are also bubble-blowing activities, ice-sculpture demonstrations, and talks by people with ties to the area.

From the evening onward, the program moves on to the children’s Yagibushi, Niisato Taiko, Yagibushi, and entertainment live performances, followed by fireworks starting at 9 p.m.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

参加費：無料

Location and access

Venue and address

Niisato General Sports Ground (3069 Niikawacho, Niisato, Kiryu City).

Train and bus

It is about 2.5 km from Niikawa Station on the Jomo Electric Railway.

On the day, free temporary buses to the venue will run from near Niikawa Station and Niisato Station.

By car

Parking is available near the venue, but spaces are limited.

Parking

Parking is available near the venue.

Visitors are advised to use public transportation whenever possible.

Address 3069 Niikawa, Niisato-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the published dates have passed)

The 2026 event was held on August 15 (Saturday), from 2 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.

The first half featured recreational activities for children, while the second half included Yagibushi, Japanese drumming, and live performances. Fireworks were scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

In case of rain, a change of venue for some programs or postponement of the fireworks was announced.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Parking spaces near the venue are limited, so visitors are advised to use public transportation.

Free temporary buses will run from near Niikawa Station and Niisato Station, but will not operate if the fireworks are postponed.

Visitors are asked to refrain from taking photos or videos at the venue.

Performers may change due to circumstances.

Nearby attractions

Nearby attractions in the Niisato area include Caribbean Beach, Gunma Insect World, and Yamagami Castle Ruins Park.

Yamagami Castle Ruins Park is a park developed at the site of Yamagami Castle, a prefecturally designated historic site, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers.

Gunma Insect World has four zones: Fujiyama Pond, woodland, mulberry fields, and rice paddies.

A place to enjoy the nature and history of the Niisato area alongside the festival.

Source: 新里地区観光案内｜桐生市ホームページ

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 Niisato Festival

The Niisato Festival is a Bon festival that has continued since the days of the former Niisato Village, before its merger with Kiryu City.

It is currently presented as an event held every year on August 15 at Niisato General Sports Ground.

The festival features the locally rooted Yagibushi and Niisato Taiko, along with activities for children and fireworks.

2026 marked the 42nd edition.

Source: 新里まつり - Wikipedia

Official information

The Kiryu City website provides information on the date, venue, program, transportation, and rain arrangements for the 42nd Niisato Festival.

For inquiries, contact the Niisato Festival Executive Committee office, located within the Industry Promotion Section of the Community Development and Improvement Division at the Niisato Branch Office, Kiryu City.

The phone number is 0277-74-2217.

Niisato Festival at a Glance

The Niisato Festival is a summer event that carries on the Bon festival tradition of Niisato-cho.

In the afternoon, there are goldfish scooping, a mini train, and fire safety and disaster-prevention experiences. From the evening, the program moves on to the children’s Yagibushi, Niisato Taiko, Yagibushi, and live performances.

Set at Niisato General Sports Ground, the festival concludes with approximately 2,000 fireworks.