Kiryu combines circle dancing to Yagibushi music with Gion mikoshi rituals, creative dance and textile-related events. Choose programme times according to the parts of the festival that interest you.
Kiryu Yagibushi Festival dates
Usually August; dates announced for each edition
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Kiryu · 桐生
Honcho-dori and central Kiryu event areas
本町通り・桐生市街
Honcho-dori and central Kiryu host dance stages and street events. Yagibushi performances continue at individual stages; portable shrines move on a separate schedule.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Reach Kiryu Station by JR, or by a Tobu and JR connection from Tokyo. Walk towards Honcho-dori and distinguish the station-area stages from the street-dancing sections on the event map.
Planning your visit
Compare the dance and mikoshi timetables if you want both. Textile events can complement the visit, but their dates must be checked separately.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Yagibushi song and dance
- Street stages
- Shrine events
History and traditions
The civic festival grew around Kiryu's Gion rites and the regional Yagibushi folk song.
Photo: xe zna · CC BY-SA 3.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Kiryu Textile Museum · 桐生織物記念館
Exhibits introducing Kiryu's textile-making tradition.
Visit by day to explore the town's weaving history before the evening dancing.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Kiryu Yagibushi Festival questions
When is Kiryu Yagibushi Festival?
Usually August; dates announced for each edition. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Kiryu Yagibushi Festival by public transport?
Reach Kiryu Station by JR, or by a Tobu and JR connection from Tokyo. Walk towards Honcho-dori and distinguish the station-area stages from the street-dancing sections on the event map.
Is Kiryu Yagibushi just a dance show?
No. Alongside Yagibushi dancing, the festival includes mikoshi rituals, creative dance and textile-related events in different programme slots.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · www.city.kiryu.lg.jp ↗
- Official reference · www.city.kiryu.lg.jp ↗
- Official reference · kiryuorimonokinenkan.com ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.