Houryu Festival Executive Committee

The Houryu Festival is an annual festival connected with the Houryu Shrine held every year on May 3rd in the Miyajuku area.
At this festival, the local residents pull a large shishi lion (over 10 meters long) and parade it through the downtown area and side streets. The festival appeals for good health and a bountiful harvest, and has been held since the Meiji period (1868-1912). The large shishi lion running around with the fabric of its body fully spread is a special sight.
The procession features a youth performance group, formed mainly of local junior high school students, who perform the musical accompaniment. The performance is taught by local people and has been handed down from generation to generation.