Latest Events in Kumamoto Prefecture(October Updated)

The Kumamoto Castle Autumn Festival vividly recreates Kumamoto's rich samurai culture through traditional performances, martial arts demonstrations, and a parade of historical costumes within the castle grounds. Performers dressed as Yoshimasa Kato and other legendary figures from the castle's history bring the stone walls and ancient architecture to life. This is a fantastic event suitable for the whole family, perfectly combining the beauty of Kumamoto Castle in autumn with a wealth of cultural entertainment.

The Kawashiri Shrine's autumn festival began in 1197. Worshippers are divided into 14 teams, each taking turns presiding over the annual festival. The entire town gathers to offer various rituals, such as shrine processions, horse-riding races, and the yūbōma (flowing arrow horse) archery ceremony. The most exciting parts are the "horse-riding race," where participants run alongside horses, and the "yūbōma" ceremony, where archers ride at full speed and shoot arrows at targets.

Yashiro, located in southern Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, is famous for its annual fireworks festival. Every year on the third Saturday of October, the Yashiro Fireworks Festival presents Japan's highest level of "light and sound art," with unparalleled light, sound, and color effects created by Japan's top pyrotechnicians. From Akita in the north to Kagoshima in the south, fireworks makers from all over Japan gather to compete in this fireworks festival. This year marks the 39th edition, held at the Kyuukawa Green Space in Yashiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Attracting over 200,000 attendees annually, the festival features not only competitive fireworks such as No. 5 and No. 10 balls and sparklers, but also opening ceremony fireworks, synchronized musical fireworks, and sponsored fireworks, illuminating the night sky for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. In addition, the festival includes product exhibitions and food stalls, allowing you to not only enjoy the fireworks but also experience the local charm.

The Yatsushiro Myoken Festival at Yatsushiro Shrine is one of Kyushu's three major festivals, a grand autumn festival held since the Edo period. Designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020, it has garnered considerable attention. The highlight of the festival is the Divine Light Procession, featuring a giant tortoise, snake, and lion, said to be the mounts of the Myoken deity, along with variously decorated floats. On May 1st, the eve of the Myoken Festival, tortoise jelly and tortoise-snake floats are exhibited in the Honmachi arcades and other locations, and stamp-stamping rallies are held to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Join us in sacred circle to work with naturally foraged and hand dyed fibres. This practice of sitting in circle, creating and being in deep solitude with self is such an enriching experience! Come laugh, share stories and bring home a small handwoven basket filled with the space you honoured for you. ........................................................ Tweed River Retreat Nestled in the hills of Uki at the foothills of Mt Wollumbin, this 300 acre farm land and rainforest is welcomed with the meeting of the Doon Doon and Tweed River. The space is home to a rich environment. Our Weaving Circle will be held at the Tweed River Retreat surrounded by flourishing mountain ranges and the flowing river. It is a brief drive to the venue from Uki, stop at the local shops to use amenities or grab lunch. To Bring • Rug, Cushion or Chair (anything for your comfort) • Water bottle • Swimmers for a quick dip! • A special decoration (feather, shell etc) • & a smile! Extras • All ages • Knowledge holders or Beginners • All materials provided Information Source: SpiralSisters | eventbrite