Kitajo Ward Annual Festival 2026 – Lion Dance & Fireworks
Two nights of lion dance, drums and fireworks
As the September air turns cool, flutes and taiko drums start up in Kitajo (北条), a small ward of Iiyama. On Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th, the neighborhood holds its annual festival — built around shishimai, the lion dance handed down here for generations.
Saturday is the night festival. The procession sets out from the community hall around 7:30 PM, reaches Kannon-sama, the local Buddhist figure, an hour later, and at about 9:30 PM dedication fireworks rise over the rice fields — each one offered by a family or business from the ward, their names printed on the flyer. Afterwards comes the entertainment program, with an event you can join in yourself. Draft beer and yakitori stalls stay open through the evening.
Sunday afternoon moves to Kunitama Shrine for the dedication dance. At 4:00 PM the lion dance returns to the community hall for a final dedication, and the two days quietly come to a close.
A ward festival like this is the sum of a year of preparation by the people who live here. Visitors are welcome — come and stand in the circle.
Saturday, September 12 — Night Festival
- Around 7:30 PM — Community hall
- Around 8:30 PM — Kannon-sama (Buddhist figure)
- Around 9:30 PM — Dedication fireworks
- Around 9:40 PM — Entertainment program (participatory event included)
If it rains, the whole program moves indoors to the community hall: naginata, and lion dance by the Kitajo and Hizawa groups.
Draft beer, yakitori and other food stalls on site.
Sunday, September 13 — Annual Festival
- 2:00 PM — Dedication dance at Kunitama Shrine (this year: Goka)
- 4:00 PM — Lion dance dedication at the community hall
Dedication Fireworks Offered By
Sekita Shoji Co., Ltd. / Soshin Trading Co., Ltd. / Shigeru Noguchi / Sam & Lian / Naoki Oguchi / POWER DRIVE R117 / Yayoi Farm no Daidokoro / Mr. Yamakki’s Grandpa / Faith Farm, and others
Organizer
Kitajo Ward (北条区), Iiyama City
