This traditional Iwamura event is said to have begun in 1631 when Matsudaira Norinaga, the lord of Iwamura Castle, held a grand festival to mark the rebuilding of Takenami Jinja Shrine into a magnificent shrine building.

A procession of about 300 people all dressed in traditional costume parades through the 400-year-old Iwamura Castle Town’s historical quarters, designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

On Saturday night, see the spectacular lion dance performances at four locations along the Hondori main street.