Fujikawachi Valley / Kiura Mine and Sumitsuke Festival
Feel the Energy of the Old Times
As it’s sung in a local lullaby “Uta-Genka,” Ume of Saiki (formerly known as Town of Ume) is a world of its own...
Tsukumi Sensu Dance
Exquisite Tradition
Tsukumi is known as the “Town of White and Yellow,” for its rich limestone and mandarin orange. But during one ...
Hyotan (Gourd) Festival
Leisurely Stroll for Hours
”Heave ho,” “Heave ho,” “Hyotan-sama is on his way!” – Shimotsuki Festival of Shibayama Hachiman Shrine (Chitosemachi, ...
Hita Gion
Brilliant and Magnificent
Gion Yamahoko, floats drawn to walk on the old town of the “Shogunate town,” with the unique music of Bamboo flute, Tai...
Nakatsu Puppet Theatre
a Traditional Dance Throughout the Ages
At Harada Shrine in Kitabaru, Nakatsu, a puppet show is performed every year at the start of February as an e...
Doburoku Festival
the Legitimate Flavor
This takes place at Shirahigetawara Shrine in Ota, Kitsuki. Doburoku is an unfiltered sake. This cloudy white liquor do...
Shounai Kagura
Traditional Dance Passed Down Through Generations
There are a lot of Kagura traditions in Oita, and it is said to be roughly divided into two types. One is Torimono Kagu...
Tsukahara Highlands
Famous Amazake Festival
In the northern foothills of Mount Yufu, the “Fuji of Bungo,” sprawls a bright highland stretching 4 kilometers east to...
Himeshima Island Bon Odori
Three Days Where the Population Quadruples
Every summer, those returning to Himeshima Island for the Bon Festival (Festival of the Dead) as well as onlookers gath...
Kebesu Festival
a Bizarre Festival Among Bizarre Festivals
There are festivals deemed “bizarre” all over Japan. However, you could say the Kebesu Festival is the strangest of the...
Kusaji Odori
Featured on International Stages
Kusaji is an agricultural area sprawling over the fan-shaped hills behind Hirose River and Akasaka River, n...
Matama Kabuki
Unifying the Stage and the Audience
Junior high school students pose on stage as the famous Shiranami Gonin Otoko ("Five Men of the White Waves"). Next, ...
Tennen-ji Shujou Onie
a “Buddha” that Brings Good Luck
Once, demons danced at many temples in Kunisaki and Rokugou Manzan during the Lunar New Year. Now, the Shuj...
Horan-Enya
a Plunge to Pray for Good Fishing
Cold winds across the river’s surface. The valiant cry fending them off, “Horan-Enya”… When a ceremony is per...
Tsurusaki Dance
Dazzling Beauty that Earns Reputation
Midsummer night is a dancing season in Oita Prefecture. Just as Himeshima Bon Odori Dance, many of the dances s...
