🏮 Kumagawa Biraki

球磨川開き

Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto (Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins Furusato History Plaza) · Every year on 1 March

Summer festivalBon odoriFood stalls

168 days to go
Rooms around Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto fill up while the festival is on.

Kumagawa Bon Festival is a summer festival held at the Furusato Rekishi no Hiroba ("Hometown History Plaza") at the site of Hitoyoshi Castle in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The first event was held in 2023, and the second took place on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Admission is free, and about 40 stalls set up shop. The event is canceled in case of rain. The festival was launched by Ryosuke Inahashi, who is from Aomori Prefecture and grew up in Saitama Prefecture, together with local young people. Inspired by a festival he experienced in Miyazaki Prefecture where everyone danced the bon dance as one, he wanted to create a similar place in his own community. With the aim of fostering "a culture that supports young people's challenges," it is run without relying on national or municipal subsidies, but through sponsorships and the efforts of participants. The highlight is a bon dance in which all attendees participate, led by "Bonjobi," a team of dancers formed by local women. Having women take the lead brings energy to the entire venue. In 2024, the event was larger than the previous year, with over 140 sponsors, and it was crowded with many people. Besides the bon dance, various food and game stalls can be enjoyed.

Getting there

To the Furusato Rekishi no Hiroba at the Hitoyoshi Castle site (Fumoto-machi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture): about 10 minutes by car from the Hitoyoshi Interchange. The nearest station is JR Hitoyoshi Station, about a 15-minute walk.