An Okayama City summer festival inspired by the Momotaro folk tale, featuring demon-costumed Uraja dancing, parades, and fireworks across the city in August.
Okayama City1-2, Shimoishii, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama 〒 700-0907How to get there
Nearest stationOkayama Station 岡山Ako Line · Hakubi Line · Higashiyama Line · Kibi Line · San-yo Main Line · Sanyo Shinkansen · Tsuyama Line · Uno Line2 min walk from the station
Nearest bus stop岡山駅前・ドレミの街1 min walk from the bus stop
Momotaro, the beloved hero of the famous Japanese folk tale, is celebrated as a symbol of justice and is believed to have originated in Okayama. Okayama City pays tribute to this heroic figure with numerous festivals throughout the year. Among them, a standout event takes place in August and centres around captivating dance performances. Throughout the festival, numerous dance platforms are set up across the city.
One of the festival's most iconic dances is the “Uraja-odori”, where participants don costumes resembling the demons from the Momotaro fairytale. The festivities are further enhanced with breathtaking fireworks displays and vibrant parades, creating a truly spectacular celebration.
The Tsuyama Gongo Festival is a summer event in Tsuyama City with kappa-themed dances along Yakko-dori Street and one of Okayama's largest fireworks displays.
1–2 Aug 2027Exact date not confirmed yetTsuyama · Okayama
Okayama shrine to Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, a legendary prince said to have defeated an ogre and brought peace to the region, the root of the Momotaro story.
Each autumn in western Shimane, shrine stages host Iwami Kagura - sacred dances performed through the night, from ceremonial pieces to a battle with a serpent.