Uhara Iwata Shrine Autumn Grand Festival (Uhara Lion Dance Dedication)

About this event

At Uhara Iwata Shrine in Uhara, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture, the traditional Uhara Lion Dance (Uhara Shishimai) is dedicated during the Autumn Grand Festival held annually on the second Sunday of October. This lion dance has records dating back over 360 years; it developed closely alongside the daily lives of people and agrarian culture praying for abundant harvests and good health. Characterized by a rare 'fur lion' (ke-jishi) style in Japan, the lion dances while maintaining a low posture as if it were truly alive. Twelve varieties of dances are performed, with origins tracing back to the Edo period. Cherished and handed down by local residents, this traditional performing art has been revitalized in recent years through the participation of young people and women, as well as the promotion of digital transformation (DX), sharing its appeal domestically and internationally beyond the local community. Its activities are diverse, including an appearance at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and video streaming by the Japan Foundation. This festival is a rare opportunity to experience living traditional performing arts imbued with the prayers of the local community.

Venue

Former Village Shrine Iwata Shrine

929 Uhara, Yamasaki-cho, Shiso, Hyogo 671-2535