Taniyama Bon Tsuna

Festival highlights

A highlight is the distinctive tug-of-war using a large rope 50–60 meters long and at least 10 centimeters thick.

The teams do more than pull back and forth; they also sway the rope from side to side, right up against the walls along the road.

The contest between young members of the fire brigade on the seaside and children from the children’s association on the mountain side is a feature unique to Taniyama.

A Taniyama Bon event where teams from the seaside and mountain sides sway a large rope

What to expect

For the event, a large rope is laid out on a road in the Taniyama settlement, and teams from the seaside and mountain sides pull against each other.

Young members of the fire brigade take the seaside, while children from the children’s association take the mountain side, and they sway the rope not only back and forth but also from side to side.

The tug-of-war is said to express the wish that the children will stay safe and unharmed.

How to take part

The tug-of-war is held between young members of the fire brigade on the seaside and children from the children’s association on the mountain side.

If you wish to watch, please follow the organizers’ guidance and avoid disrupting this local event.

Location and access

Venue and address

It takes place on roads in the settlement of the Taniyama district, Koga City.

Source: 古賀郷土史研究会 - コラム

Event venue 福岡県古賀市 谷山の集落内の道路

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season

Every year on August 15

Frequency

Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The tug-of-war takes place along a road in the settlement, with the teams jostling the long, thick rope not only back and forth but also from side to side.

When watching, please view from a position that does not obstruct the rope’s movement or the procession along the road.

Origins and History of Taniyama Bon Tsuna

The Taniyama Bon Tsuna is a Bon event passed down since ancient times.

It was once held in various parts of Koga City, but today it can be seen in the Taniyama district. It has been passed down without interruption through wartime and the years that followed.

The skills involved, such as rope-making, have also been passed down, making not only the event itself but also the skills that support it an important part of local culture.

Official information

Koga City’s official tourism guide introduces the Taniyama Bon Tsunahiki as a traditional event of Koga City.

The city’s guide to its designated cultural properties also lists the Taniyama Bon Tsuna as an intangible folk cultural property.

Check whether Koga City has issued information for the relevant year about the date and event arrangements.

Taniyama Bon Tsuna at a Glance

The Taniyama Bon Tsuna is a local Bon event in which teams from the seaside and mountain sides pull a large rope against each other on roads in the Taniyama district of Koga City.

A highlight is the distinctive tug-of-war, in which a rope 50–60 meters long and at least 10 centimeters thick is also swayed from side to side.

Today, it is carried on in the Taniyama district, along with the skill of making the rope.