Gunma — Kiryu Yagibushi Festival

Introduction

Held each year in early August in Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival is one of northern Kanto's largest summer festivals, centred on Yagibushi dancing. Raised platforms appear throughout the city, with people of all ages joining expanding circles of dancers as excitement fills the streets. Attracting approximately 500,000 visitors, the festival is best known for its exceptionally participatory character.

Event overview

This historic festival began by bringing together earlier events such as the Kiryu Gion Festival, commerce and industry celebrations, and fireworks displays. The following schedule has been announced for 2026.

Venues and map

The main venues are the central Kiryu streets around Honcho-dori, Suehiro-dori and Nishikicho-dori. During the festival, approximately 2.5 kilometres of streets become pedestrian-only, filling the whole area with a festive atmosphere. Platforms are set up at various points, surrounded by circles of Yagibushi dancers.

View the venue on Google Maps

Getting there

Public transport is convenient for reaching the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival.

• By train:
  • From Kiryu Station on the JR Ryomo Line, the venue is approximately 6 minutes on foot, or immediately nearby depending on the event location.
  • From Nishi-Kiryu Station on the Jomo Electric Railway, allow approximately 7 minutes on foot, with some locations immediately nearby.
  • From Shin-Kiryu Station on the Tobu Kiryu Line, the bus journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Extra services sometimes operate on the Watarase Keikoku Railway and Jomo Electric Railway during the festival. Check their announcements beforehand.

Avoiding congestion and catching the last train Roads around the venues become very congested, with extensive traffic restrictions. Avoid driving and use public transport instead. The final day's celebrations are particularly lively late into the evening, so check the last departures on your railway lines in advance and leave yourself enough time.

Paid seating and tickets

Admission to the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival is free. No general paid seating has been announced. Anyone can join the Yagibushi dance circles freely, so take part and experience the festival's energy for yourself.

Quieter places to enjoy the festival

These locations may suit visitors who want to enjoy the atmosphere while avoiding the densest crowds.

1. Around Kiryu Tenmangu Shrine At the northern end of Honcho-dori, the area around Kiryu Tenmangu is slightly removed from the festival's centre, making it possible to enjoy the sounds of Yagibushi in a comparatively calm setting. It suits visitors who want to sense the energy around the platforms without being in the middle of the busiest crowds.

2. The southern part of Nishikicho-dori Nishikicho-dori is on the southern side of the festival area, where visitors tend to be more spread out than in the centre. In particular, walking farther south beyond Nishikicho Crossroads, formerly the Nishikicho Rotary intersection, may lead to a quieter place to observe the festivities.

3. Watarase River riverbank, outside the separate fireworks events The Kiryu Yagibushi Festival itself does not currently include a fireworks display. However, the Watarase River riverbank is a pleasant place to leave the bustle behind and enjoy the night breeze with Yagibushi music audible in the distance. It is some way from the festival centre but is recommended for visitors who prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Will there be food stalls during the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival? A. Yes. Numerous stalls line the main streets, offering food and traditional festival games. Enjoy the flavours that add to the festive atmosphere.

Q. Can anyone join the Yagibushi dancing? A. Yes. The festival's main characteristic is its highly participatory nature. Visitors as well as local residents can freely join the dance circles around the platforms set up throughout the city. You can follow the movements of the people around you, even without knowing the steps beforehand.

Q. Will there be traffic restrictions? A. Yes. Approximately 2.5 kilometres of central Kiryu streets, including Honcho-dori, Suehiro-dori and Nishikicho-dori, become pedestrian-only, with extensive traffic restrictions. Avoid driving and use public transport instead.