Guida
The Yanagi Matsuri is one of the largest summer festivals in the Tajima region, held annually on August 1st and 2nd in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. This festival is the annual celebration of Yanagi-no-miya Shrine, which has been the guardian of the local traditional crafts, such as 'Toyooka Karyu' (willow basketry) and 'Toyooka Bags,' since 1935. Every year, approximately 60,000 visitors gather to experience the incredible energy and deep-rooted traditions of the local community.
The central figure of this festival is the Yanagi-no-miya Shrine, which serves as the protector of the local industries that have shaped Toyooka's identity. The festival has been a cornerstone of the community since the early Showa era, serving as more than just a seasonal event; it is a profound cultural ritual that connects the local people's faith with their traditional craftsmanship and industrial heritage.
The festival offers a diverse range of traditional events. It begins with the solemn rituals at Yanagi-no-miya Shrine, followed by the majestic procession of portable shrines (Mikoshi) and the elegant Chigo-gyoretsu (children's procession) in traditional attire. As evening approaches, the center of the festivities shifts to the Daikai-dori shopping street, where the energetic 'Toyoka Odori' dance is performed by roughly 2,000 participants. The grand climax occurs on the night of August 2nd, when approximately 2,000 fireworks illuminate the night sky in a breathtaking display.
The festival takes place during the peak of summer on August 1st and 2nd. The atmosphere becomes most vibrant from late afternoon through the night. To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend arriving in the evening to witness the main events. During the daytime, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the street stalls and the 'Kaban-nomi no Ichi' (Bag Market) before the main evening festivities begin.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture through various activities. In the Daikai-dori area, you can witness the powerful Toyoka Odori dance up close. At the plaza in front of the Toyooka City Hall, the 'Kaban-nomi no Ichi' offers a unique chance to see and purchase high-quality local bags and crafts. Additionally, the many food stalls (Yatai) scattered throughout the streets provide a delicious taste of classic Japanese festival cuisine.
The festival is held throughout the central areas of Toyooka City. Key locations include the Daikai-dori shopping street, the plaza in front of Toyooka City Hall, Toyooka Central Park, and the plaza in front of the Toyooka City General Gymnasium. The surrounding areas, such as Kaban Street, Toyoda Shotengai, and Teramachi Shotengai, also become lively hubs for food stalls and local events.
As this is an outdoor summer event, heat precautions are essential. We highly recommend bringing plenty of water, a hat, and a parasol. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended due to the crowds.