Every summer in mid-August, Tamba Sasayama City in Hyogo Prefecture comes alive with the sound of the Dekansho Bushi, a folk song that has echoed through generations for more than 200 years. The Dekansho Festival is one of western Japan’s largest folk song festivals, and welcomes visitors from across the region for two lively days of dance, food, music, and fireworks.

The heart of the festival is the Soodori, a communal dance held around one of the largest wooden yagura towers in Japan. Anyone can jump in and join the circle, keeping the rhythm of the traditional song alive. The lyrics of the Dekansho Bushi grow each year, with hundreds of versions now in rotation, making the experience feel both historic and fresh.

Beyond the dance, the event includes a full schedule with dance workshops, traditional recitals, live concerts, and fireworks displays over the ruins of Sasayama Castle. Around 180 food stalls and a bustling night market offer local specialties and summer treats.

Please note if you plan on attending that the festival hours differ each day:

• August 15th (Friday): 15:00 until 21:15
• August 16th (Saturday): 16:45 until 21:00

More details and updates can be found on the official website.