Sasayama Dekansho Festival 丹波篠山デカンショ祭

Enjoy traditional song and dance at this classic summer festival, held over two days in mid-August. Like similar summer festivals held throughout Japan, the Tamba Sasayama Dekansho Festival has its own particular style of song and dance.

The festival takes place at Sasayama Castle and can be accessed by public transportation from Kobe.

From Shin-Kobe Station, take the Subway Hokushin Line to Tanigami Station. Transfer to the Shintetsu Railway Arima Line and get off at Sanda. Here, take the Fukuchiyama Line to Sasayamaguchi Station. Finally, catch a local bus or taxi to the castle.

Held on the grounds of Sannomaru Square, in the park where Sasayama Castle once stood, is one of Hyogo's popular summer festivals—the Tamba Sasayama Dekansho Matsuri or the Dekansho Festival.

The Dekansho Bushi, or the Dekansho Song, has its roots in the Edo period. The song was passed down from generation to generation and is now the essence of this festival, which sees teams of locals dance around a central wooden watchtower in traditional garb.

Like at most Japanese festivals, numerous vendors set up shop selling snacks that range from chocolate-dipped bananas to yakisoba. If you are feeling lucky, try your hand at one of the fair-style games.