Kazuno in Japan gets ready for two unique festivals

“Hanawa Bayashi” and “Kemanai Bon Odori” are both part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

“Hanawa Bayashi” (a traditional Japanese performing art form) and “Kemanai Bon Odori” (a Buddhist festival dance), which were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, will be held from August 19 to 23 in Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, northwestern Japan.

“Hanawa Bayashi” featuring motion and “Kemanai Bon Odori” stillness Hanawa Bayashi will be held on August 19-20, and Kemanai Bon Odori on August 21-23. During the period, visitors can enjoy the two festivals that have different atmospheres, “motion” and “stillness.”

Hanawa Bayashi is a 1000-year old traditional Japanese performing art form dedicated to the deity of Hanawa, Sachi-Inari Shrine. Hanawa Bayashi is unique for its music and gorgeous lacquer-and-gold floats. It is an attractive event with its “motion” of 10 gorgeous floats parading through the town with an enthusiastic musical accompaniment played by young people throughout the night.

Kemanai Bon Odori is a Buddhist festival dance that consists of two types of dance: “Dainosaka Odori” which is performed with flutes and drums, and “Jinku Odori” which is performed only with singing. Both types of dance are characterized by graceful inward-facing dancing around a bonfire, and “stillness” is their charm.

Kazuno City is situated in the north of Akita Prefecture. With a population of 28,016, the city is endowed with rich regional resources such as cultural heritages and specialty products. It is an area with good access from neighboring Aomori and Iwate prefectures.

Starting with the “Dainichido Bugaku” boasting a history of 1300 years, various legends remain in Kazuno. It has a mysterious atmosphere and a powerful country side that flourished due to mining.

Also, unlike other areas in Akita Prefecture, Kazuno has a history of belonging to the Nanbu Domain during the Edo period. Therefore, it is also an area where rare food culture and traditions remain in the prefecture.

Blessed with delicious food, you can enjoy rich nature and hot springs. That itself is attractive enough, but it is also a place where you can feel historical charm such as Osarizawa Mine and Oyu Stone Circle.