An Illustrated Japan / Kagoshima / Culture & Tradition

Ohara Festival

Also written: おはら祭 · Ohara祭

Held every November, the Ohara Festival is Kagoshima’s largest festival, featuring traditional dance parades and taiko drum performances that captivate international visitors.

Kagoshima Kyushu-Okinawa Culture & Tradition

About this place

Ohara Festival annual Nov 2-3 Kagoshima City largest in South Kyushu among three great festivals. Initiated 1949 marking 60th city anniversary after 93% city burnt by eight air raids halting festivals. Today about 220 groups 16,500 dancers fill 1,480m tram street Takamibaba Izuro Sanbashi Tenmonkan area. To Kagoshima Ohara-bushi Hana wa Kirishima Hanyabushi Shibuya Ondo participants parade colorful costumes chant Ohara-ha. Night eve dance Ogojo drum competition main day three parts dances marching bands Dance OHARA21. Flower lantern tram illuminated, PR booths energize downtown autumn signature beloved locals.