When it comes to summer, one cannot forget about summer festivals.
In Kurashiki City, summer festivals are held in various districts starting around July. Among them, the "Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival," held grandly in front of JR Kurashiki Station, is said to be the largest festival in Kurashiki.
The author, who moved from Kanagawa to Kurashiki in 2023, had never attended the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival before, and for the first time in the second year of living here, I decided to check it out.
Here is a report on the 52nd Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival.
About the 52nd Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival
The 52nd Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival was held on July 26, 2025 (Saturday).
The main events of the festival are the "Daikan Bayashi Dance" and "OH! Daikan Bayashi Dance," featuring unique citizen teams. A total of 33 teams performed in colorful costumes along the long street of Kurashiki Chuo-dori.
In addition to the dances, there were many attractions to enjoy with all five senses, including a variety of delicious food stalls called "Nostalgic Night Stalls" and stage performances by "Kurashiki Tenryo Taiko."
The Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival is one of the representative summer festivals of Kurashiki, attracting many visitors not only from within the city but also from outside.
The area was bustling with many people, from middle and high school students hanging out with friends to families enjoying the festival across three generations.
The Day's Events
I arrived in front of JR Kurashiki Station around 2 PM.
Since the main venue, Kurashiki Chuo-dori, had not yet started traffic regulation, I took a little stroll around the area before the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival officially began.
Strolling around the station area before the start - Bikan Historical Area
The first place I visited was "Bios Resting Square," located midway through Kurashiki Center Street. There was a Self-Defense Force booth here.
You can experience riding in a light armored vehicle that is actually used in the field. Photography was not allowed inside, so I couldn't take any pictures, but it felt very stable when I got in. I felt lucky to have the opportunity to ride in something I wouldn't normally get to.
Photos of activities during the July 2018 heavy rain disaster were also on display. I felt a surge of gratitude for the Self-Defense Force members who put their lives on the line to rescue others.
If you answer a simple questionnaire, you can receive special goods from the Self-Defense Force. I received a mechanical pencil in collaboration with Kurutoga. It has a cool design and quickly became my favorite.
Next, I headed to "LOGIN Kurashiki," a complex tourist facility located in the Bikan Historical Area. They were holding a special "Super Ball Scooping" event for the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival, so I decided to give it a try.
As someone who has almost never done Super Ball Scooping, I found that I was scooping too vigorously, and I ended up only getting three balls as they broke quickly.
Looking at my friend next to me, they were scooping so many that their container was nearly full, which made me feel a bit envious. This feeling of envy might be part of the summer festival experience.
Listening to the sound of the water spilling from the fountain made the experience feel a bit cooler.
Pre-dance snacks
Finally, traffic regulation began on Kurashiki Chuo-dori, and the crowd started to grow lively.
When I went to the area filled with food stalls called "Nostalgic Night Stalls," delicious aromas wafted from all directions.
First, feeling thirsty, I bought a can of beer and toasted. Debating what to eat while drinking is one of the unique pleasures of summer festivals.
Along Kurashiki Chuo-dori, many local restaurants also set up stalls. The menus that are usually enjoyed in the restaurants can be savored outside, which seems to double the deliciousness.
I chose the chicken neck ponzu made by the craft beer shop "HOPMAN." It was topped with colorful summer vegetables, making it visually appealing. The taste was so delicious that it felt like it was beyond what one would expect from outdoor food, and I was very satisfied.
Inside the venue, there was also a performance of "Suinkyo's Procession."
Suinkyo is a festival specialty that has been passed down in Kurashiki since the Edo period. It wears masks of "grandfather" and "grandmother" and holds a red fan.
There is a saying that "if you are hit on the head by Suinkyo, you will be happy," and passersby were being playfully hit with fans by Suinkyo. Although it looks a bit scary, it is a being that brings happiness.
I also found a booth for the "I Love This Town Movement" operated by JT (Japan Tobacco Inc.).
This is an initiative held by JT at festivals and events across Japan, aimed at fostering a mindset of "not throwing away" through the experience of "picking up" litter.
It has been continuously held since 2008 at the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival.
Enjoying the 'OH! Daikan Bayashi Dance'
At the moment the 'OH! Daikan Bayashi Dance' started, I decided to stop and enjoy the dance.
Many people seem to have acquaintances or family members participating, as some are pointing their cameras and cheering with shouts of "Go for it, ○○!"
The teams of children dancing were very cute as they wore matching costumes and danced earnestly. Some were shy while others were carefree, but all were doing their best, making you want to cheer for them.
Some teams even danced with mascot characters. The white wall character was also doing its best in the heat, drawing attention.
Each team had unique costumes, and it was entertaining just to compare them.
The 'Gonai Children's House' team was dressed in costumes from Detective Conan. The fact that everyone wore glasses and shorts showed their attention to detail.
The choreography of the 'OH! Daikan Bayashi Dance' is easy to remember, and while watching, I found myself naturally swaying my hands.
Surrounded by the heat and music, as the sun began to set, I looked up and saw a worker checking the lights illuminating the venue. Their quiet work, unnoticed by anyone, gave me a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes of the enjoyable festival.
The ability to enjoy the festival safely and securely is thanks to the supporting presence behind the scenes. I left the venue thinking that I had seen something wonderful.
Conclusion
My first experience at the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival was fulfilling.
On that day, events were also held in the shopping district in front of JR Kurashiki Station and the Bikan Historical Area, allowing for a long time of enjoyment from day to night.
The highlight, the 'OH! Daikan Bayashi Dance', featured energetic adult teams and lively children’s teams, showcasing the individuality of each group, which was fascinating.
It was a fun summer festival that made me want to come back next year. I plan to take proper measures against heatstroke and participate again next time.
Data for the 52nd Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival
| Name | 52nd Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | July 26, 2025 (Saturday) From 1 PM to 9 PM |
| Location | In front of JR Kurashiki Station |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free (food and drink costs are separate) |
| Website | Official website of the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival |
