Source :YouTube screenshot

The Autumn Festival of Hiyoshi Shrine in Nitta District is held annually in October in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. During this lively festival, the Ako Lion Dance, performed by the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society, parades throughout the city.
The festival begins with the "welcome of the gods"(0:19).

A mischievous wild lion is skillfully led by a Tengu, a sort of Japanese goblin often found in folk tales.
At 0:41, after “the purification of the lion head and Tengu mask” takes place, it's time to leave for "Hanamai," which parades through the city of Ako (0:53).

"Hanamai" continues to visit over 200 places while performing to the sound of the drum.
The lion dance at Hiyoshi Shrine is performed by Western Nitta District and Nitta Village alternately each year. The one seen in the video is performed by Western Nitta District.

The highlight of the festival is "dochu mai" (1:58); while the rituals are being performed at Hiyoshi Shrine, the lion dance troupe takes its time to move along the approach to the shrine.
After the ritual is over, they run up to the worship hall and the dedication dance begins. The Ako Lion Dance is descended from Ako Hachiman Shrine in Ozaki Districtand is characterized by slow movements during "dochu mai" and intense movements during the dedication dance at the main shrine.

The Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society performs a dance with a skit called "Niwaka."(2:55).

So Much to See and Do at the Ako Autumn Festival!

Source :YouTube screenshot

In addition to the lion dance dedication by the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society, various events are held in Ako, such as an exorcism ritual and a children's mikoshi (portable shrine).

The Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society is not the only performer of Ako Lion Dance.
There are many other organizations, such as Kamihamaichi and the Kizu Lion Preservation Society, that performs the dance as well.
The lion dance of the Kamihamaichi Lion Preservation Society, known for its Hanamai and group dances, and the lion dance of the Kizu Lion Dance Preservation Society, which prays for purification and a good harvest, are also worth seeing.
During the Autumn Festival in Ako, there are many stalls along the streets of shrines and temples.
One of the ways to enjoy Ako's Autumn Festival is to eat local Japanese food at the stalls.

Summary of the Ako Lion Dance

The Ako Lion Dance is an important traditional ritual, and the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society has long been honing their skills to preserve the culture.
Succession of traditional culture is a significant theme of traditional Japanese festivals.
Visit the Ako Autumn Festival and experience Japanese culture through vigorous lion dances!

【Official Website】Ako Tourism - FEEL AKO TIME
https://ako-kankou.jp/en/