Visiting the Kirin Dances

-Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property-

家紋 Inaba and Tajima Inaba and Tajima
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The Kirin dances are performed during shrines’ rituals. The major dances, of which the long ones last for approximately 45 minutes, are performed within the shrine’s premises or neighborhood. The Kirin will visit the households that worship the shrine’s deity and then perform the major dance before the deity to conclude the festival. (The customs related to the lion dance performances vary. For example, the major dance may be performed on a local street or a specific holy ground. Some shrines practice Yoimiya (pre-night ceremonies) wherein the major dance and other rituals are performed before the shrine’s deity on the festival’s eve.)

Tourists can witness different types of Kirin dances at different locations throughout the year during January, March, April–July, September, and October. At the festival and as per the established custom, the attendees should have their heads bitten by the Kirin because it is said that this ritual ensures children’s well-being and makes them smart and provides good health to adults for a year.

List of the Festivals with Kirin Dances List of the Festivals with Kirin Dances

The photos (excluding picture 019 and 143) were provided by the Kirinology Club

The photos (excluding picture 019 and 143)
were provided by the Kirinology Club