Shiki Summer Festival: Min'yo Nagashi (Folk Dance Procession)

The main highlight is the Min'yo Nagashi with about 270-400 dancers in yukata parading along the 650m Honmachi-dori. The elegant 'Shiki Ondo' and 'Shiki Odori' dances are said to be easy enough to pick up by joining in. The concurrent Shikishima Shrine Festival features 2 children's mikoshi, 2 float processions, evening adult mikoshi parades, and shrine food stalls.

Started in 1973, the Min'yo Nagashi was created to preserve and pass on the traditional folk songs 'Shiki Ondo' and 'Shiki Odori.' The concurrent Shikishima Shrine Festival is a traditional celebration dating back to the Meiji era.

Started in 1973 to preserve the traditional folk songs 'Shiki Ondo' and 'Shiki Odori.' Held annually on a Saturday evening in mid-July, concurrent with the Shikishima Shrine Festival. The shrine festival itself dates back to the Meiji era, featuring children's mikoshi, floats, and adult mikoshi parading through seven neighborhoods. The dance has always been centered on neighborhood associations and women's groups, currently at 270-400 participants. Canceled or reduced during 2020-2022 due to COVID-19. Returned to normal operations from 2023. Part of Shiki City's largest summer festival with about 100,000 annual visitors.

About 10 minutes walk from the east exit of Shiki Station on the Tobu Tojo Line. The venue, Honmachi-dori, is on the Hoya-Shiki Prefectural Road. Traffic detoured to Shiki-Odori during the festival. No dedicated parking; public transportation recommended.

The Min'yo Nagashi runs from 19:30-21:00 in the evening. The Shikishima Shrine Festival runs from 12:00 to 22:00. Many food stalls line the shrine grounds, but it gets crowded with about 100,000 annual visitors. Watch the dance procession from the sidewalks along Honmachi-dori.

Canceled in rain, so check the weather in advance. Yukata participation is welcome (advance registration required). Bring insect repellent for the evening event. Avoid driving as traffic restrictions are in place.