Did You Know about the Johana Hikiyama Festival? Experience It in Kagurazaka!
The Johana Hikiyama Festival and the History of Johana Town
The area around Zentokuji was particularly famous for silk fabric production. The silk industry in this region utilized large quantities of cocoons transported from the Gokayama area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to produce high-quality raw silk. The manufactured silk was primarily transported to the Nishijin district in Kyoto and later to Edo (Tokyo), significantly contributing to the economic development of Johana Town.
The Johana Hikiyama Festival is renowned for showcasing traditional festival floats and Iori-uta (a unique type of music) that continue from the Edo period. These floats are adorned with exquisite carvings and vibrant colors crafted by local artisans, captivating all who see them. Iori-uta, influenced by Edo-Hauta (Edo-period songs), features a distinctive musical style from Johana, enhancing the festival atmosphere with its beautiful melodies. Iori-uta is performed inside the intricately crafted “Iori Yatai” floats, which are modeled after establishments like the famous Ichiriki Chaya in Kyoto’s Gion district. The performers parade through the streets, playing shamisen, flutes, and singing.
What is Edo-Hauta?
What is Iori-uta?
What is Iori-uta Shomo (Requesting Iori-uta)?
Experience the Authentic Johana Hikiyama Festival at the “Kagurazaka Street Stage, Oedo Tour 2024”
Schedule:
May 18 [Sat] Start at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji at 17:30
May 19 [Sun] Start at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji at 12:00 and 14:00
Access to Kagurazaka:
Tokyo Metro Tozai Line: Kagurazaka Station or Iidabashi Station
Tokyo Metro Namboku Line: Iidabashi Station
Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line: Iidabashi Station
Toei Oedo Line: Ushigome Kagurazaka Station or Iidabashi Station
JR Sobu Line: Iidabashi Station