Location:Sports Park, Kiyokawa-Village

The Seiryu Festival is a reproduction of the festivals to pray for rain that used male and female “dragons” and were held in the Susugaya area of Kiyokawa-Village from the Tenpo Era of the Edo Period to the beginning of the Showa Period. Two dragons, each over 20 meters long, are made of Japanese yew branches and a ceremony is performed to imbue them with souls. The dragons are then paraded about as if they are performing a solemn dance to the sound of Seiryu taiko drums. The main event is when a ceremony is held where the dragons seem to fly up into the sky. During the finale, fireworks are set off along with drum music, and the two dragons are burned, taking with them the hopes and wishes of all the visitors to the event.

For details, contact the Kiyokawa-Village Board of Education Executive Office
(Tel: 046-288-1215)

Location:Suwa-jinja Shrine, Toya, Tsukui-Town, Sagamihara-City

Tsukui’s lion dances, which feature three “lions” (each performed by one person), have been passed down for over 300 years. In this event, the lions depart from Nakashita-bashi and proceed to Suwa-jinja Shrine along with a parade of flute players, lantern bearers, mikoshi (portable shrines), and dashi (floats). That evening, lion dances are performed within the shrine precincts.

For details, contact the Sagamihara-City Tsukui Economic Affairs Division (Tel: 042-784-1141)

Location:Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Yukinoshita, Kamakura-City

Nine doll floats (9 meters tall) from 9 parish areas (depicting Nasu no Yoichi, Minamoto no Yoritomo, Jinmu Tennou, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kusunoki Masashige, Urashima Tarou, Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, and Nintoku Tennou) will be assembled in the Karasumori-jinja Shrine precincts. They will be carried to the shrine, and a matsuri-bayashi orchestral performance contest will take place. Starting at early evening, yubana kagura (a type of Shinto ritual dance) will be performed.

For details, contact Karasumori-jinja Shrine (Tel: 0466-24-5590)

Location:
Matsuda-Town, Sakawagawa-Town Hydro Plaza, and other locations

A daimyo procession and mikoshi wind their way throughout the town. From evening, a ritual called “Hyaku Hatte” will be held on the peak of Mt. Matsuda, where 108 pine torches are lit up, in addition to a daimyo procession, mikoshi, parade, and Ashigara fireworks display (1,500 fireworks).

For details, contact the Matsuda-Town Tourist Association
(Tel: 0465-85-3130)

Location:Various locations around Yokohama Station and within the city

Hamakoi Odori, flashy and energetic dance performances with noisemakers, will be held near Yokohama Station and at various locations within the city. Approximately 70 teams are expected to participate over the two days.

For details, contact the Yokohama Carnival Executive Committee
(Tel: 045-319-2533)

Location:Oyama Afuri-jinja Shrine Office to the lower shrine, Isehara-City

On the 27th, mikoshi holding sacred Shinto objects are carried from Afuri-jinja Shrine, which is located on the side of Mt. Oyama, to the shrine office at the foot of the mountain. On the 29th, the mikoshi are carried from the office to the lower shrine. The people carrying the mikoshi are dessed in white clothing, and the highlight of the event is watching as they ascend the steep slope. Kagura dance is performed at the annual festival on the 28th, and Oyama Noh is also scheduled to be held.

For details, contact Oyama Afuri-jinja Shrine (Tel: 0463-95-2006)