Hey all! This is my first post here at Kumamoto International! I’ve been following this page since the earthquake last year and I’m excited to contribute. I’m really big on festivals and events, and going to shrines and temples, so you can expect a lot of information about those kinds of things from me.
Therefore, I thought I’d let everyone know that 火の国お祭り (Hi no Kuni Matsuri) is coming up this weekend. This year is the 40th anniversary so there are many things to do. The opening ceremony will be on the 4th, with events all weekend. The biggest event is the dance through the streets of Kumamoto on Saturday night. It lasts from 7:15 to 8:40 and includes 5000 dancers doing the おてもやん総おどり otemoyan dance If you want to come in to town, please be careful as certain roads and areas will be closed off (from 6 to 9:45) and there will be plenty of people all around. I’ve attached a photo and a video from last years festival. It was really interesting and I recommend it to all!!
Here’s a link to the website where you can get more information: https://kumamoto-guide.jp/hinokunimatsuri/#wrapper_about
– Megan