Summer Events Return to Iya and Miyoshi!
After 3 years of cancellations, it's finally time to celebrate!
The years of waiting are ending, and this summer some events will finally be returning to the Iya Valley and Miyoshi City. Though most events will not be as big as usual, hopefully the recent up-tick in new cases doesn't mess up (again) any of these plans. Here a schedule for what will be happening:
Jindai Odori Dance - July 23, 2022
This ancient "rain dance" at a mountain-top shrine in Nishi-Iya has been held for over 1100 years and is registered as National Heritage Asset. The costumed performers dance continuously to roaring taiko drums and blowing conch shells. Free admission. Starting from about 10am at the Zentoku Tenmangu Shrine (see below to find on the MAP).
Iya Summer Festival - July 23, 2022
Held in the evening from about 5pm at the Iya Fureai Park in central Nishi-Iya (see location on MAP below), there will be lots of food, drink, events, and merriment going on. At about 8:30pm there will also be a big fireworks display. Free admission.
Shikoku Sake Festival - Aug 13, 2022
Usually held in the winter (but cancelled this past winter, as well as the 2 years prior), a smaller version will be held this summer instead in central Ikeda along the main arcade (see below for location MAP). Held from 1pm to 5pm, various sake brewers from all across Shikoku will be offering their creations. The 1000yen admission includes 5 sample drinks (additional drinks available for purchase). For more details, see here: http://www.shikoku-sakematuri.com/
Ikeda Awa-Odori - Aug 13 & 14, 2022
The streets of downtown Ikeda come alive for two nights this year with several dance troupes eager to finally strut their stuff for all to enjoy. Lots of food and drink vendors will be on hand. Things get going about 6 or 7 pm each night. Held in the arcade area around JR Awa-Ikeda Station (see MAP below).
Yamashiro Summer Festival - Aug 27, 2022
The main summer festival of the Oboke and Koboke area will be held this year from 5pm at the large parking area across the main road (RT 32) from JR Awa-Kawaguchi Station (the central part of town). Lots of vendors and events, as well as a big fireworks display starting about 8:30pm.
Check the MAP below to see where each event is being held:
- The Jindai Odori Dance is held in Nishi-Iya at the Zentoku Tenmangu Shrine MAP. It is a pretty steep and curvy drive up from the main road, and beforehand people gather near the Iba Stoten shop MAP down at the turn-off between 8 and 10am (for chaning into costume), then they head up in a bit of a convoy. If you don't have a car, you may be able to catch a ride up with someone from there.
- The Nishi-Iya Summer Festival is within central Nishi-Iya at the Iya Fureai Park MAP. Parking is possible down below here or across the bridge near the gas station.
- The Shikoku Sake festival is held at the park withing the main arcade of Ikeda town going out from JR Awa-Ikeda Station MAP. The park is located just across the road from Heso Salon pub MAP (which is also the location of 4S Stay guesthouse ).
- The Ikeda Awa-Odori Festival is held on the streets of Ikeda which go out from JR Awa-Ikeda Station MAP. Usually there are also main performances at the stage near the station next to the Tourist Info Center MAP.
- And the Yamashiro Summer Festival is held in the parking area down beside the river across RT 32 from JR Awa-Kawaguchi Station MAP.
Find other events for the rest of the year on our main Festival & Events Page.
