A shared illustration for this type of festival, not this festival itself. Photos are welcome.
Omi Konan no San'yare Odori
Japanese name: 近江湖南のサンヤレ踊り（おうみこなんのさんやれおどり）
Kusatsu and Ritto, Shiga
2027
Mon, May 3
Districts of Kusatsu (Oosugi Shrine and others)
Wed, May 5
Shimotoyama, Ritto (Otsue Festival)
About the festival
This dance is performed at spring festivals in seven districts of Kusatsu City and in Shimotoyama, Ritto City. In Kusatsu, children in flower hats and colorful costumes play drums, kakko drums and sasara, while adults holding bamboo grass, fans or other items call out "San'yare." The dance in Shimotoyama, Ritto, belongs to the same tradition, but this refrain has not been handed down there. It is thought to derive from a performing art popular in Kyoto in the late 17th century, and is held to ward off misfortune and pray for abundant harvests.
The distinctive refrain "San'yare, san'yare" handed down in each district of Kusatsu
A procession in two lines that dances its way around shrines and otabisho resting places in the district
Children in flower hats, with brightly colored sashes at the waist and tasuki cords hanging down their backs
Videos
Videos published by local governments, preservation societies and others.
Video: 草津のサンヤレ踊り保存協議会 (YouTube)
Key facts
- Category
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Furyu-odori dances
- Location
- Kusatsu and Ritto, Shiga
- Main venue
- Shrines in seven districts of Kusatsu; Otsuki Shrine in Ritto
- Getting there
- For Oosugi Shrine in the Shimogasa district, take a bus from JR Kusatsu Station for about 10 minutes to the Shimode stop, then walk about 5 minutes.
This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.
Nearby and similar festivals
FAQ
- When is Omi Konan no San'yare Odori held in 2027?
- In 2027, it is scheduled for Mon, May 3 – Wed, May 5 (Calculated from the usual rule).
- Where is Omi Konan no San'yare Odori held?
- It is held in Kusatsu and Ritto, Shiga. The main venue is Shrines in seven districts of Kusatsu; Otsuki Shrine in Ritto.
- How are the dates of Omi Konan no San'yare Odori set?
- Every year on May 3 (spring festivals in districts of Kusatsu; the Yagura district holds it every other year and the Natsuka district once every three years) and May 5 (grand festival of Otsuki Shrine, Shimotoyama, Ritto)