Nohara Hachiman-gu Grand Festival (Nobara-san)
Japanese name:野原八幡宮大祭（のばらさん）
📅 Thu, Oct 15, 2026
About this event
Known as a Shichi-Go-San festival celebrated a month early, the Nohara Hachiman-gu Grand Festival (Nobara-san) is a traditional event with a history spanning over 770 years. The highlight of the festival is the 'Furyu' dance (a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Furyu-odori' and a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property) performed by children wearing lion masks made of Japanese paper (washi). Along with spirited shouts of 'Heroi, Haroi', the 'Setto Gyoji' (a City-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property) procession also takes place, escorting horses carrying sacred children (chigo) to Nohara Hachiman-gu Shrine. This festival provides a precious experience that richly reflects local culture and traditions.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Nohara Hachiman-gu Shrine
1529 Nohara, Arao, Kumamoto 864-0163
Open in Google Maps ↗