[Ishioka, Ibaraki] 2nd 'Ishioka Spring Lion Festival 2026' to be held on April 29! Tradition and enthusiasm gather in Ishioka in spring

The Ishioka City Spring Lion Festival Executive Committee (located in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture) will hold the 'Ishioka Spring Lion Festival 2026,' an event to celebrate the arrival of spring, at the 'Ishioka Event Plaza' on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (public holiday).

This event is held to allow people to experience the charm of Ishioka's proud Horo-jishi (lion with a cloth body) culture in the spring, and as a citizen-participatory event aimed at passing down local culture and fostering its future bearers. 2026 marks the second time this event is held.

Featuring the presentation of uniquely characteristic lions gathering from various neighborhoods and districts within Ishioka City, the event offers a diverse range of programs enjoyable for everyone from children to adults, including a lion dance contest, experience booths, and food/merchandise booths.

For the latest information, please check the official website.
https://www.shishimatsuri.com/

Event Highlights

Horo-jishi gather from all over the city! Presenting heroic dances
The 'Horo-jishi,' a symbol of Ishioka, will gather from various neighborhoods in the city and dance to the sounds of drums and flutes. The powerful movements and gorgeous decorations of the Horo-jishi are one of the highlights that fascinate not only local residents but also many tourists.

Lion Dance Contest! Performances with local pride
In addition to a selected lion dance contest for elementary, junior high, high school students, and working adults, a free lion dance contest open to anyone will also be held. It connects local traditions to the future and allows people of all generations to become familiar with the lion dance culture. You can participate in the free lion dance with your own lion, and registration is available at the headquarters from 9:30 to 10:00 on the day.

Full of experience and participation-type programs
At the venue, experience booths that can be enjoyed for free will also be set up, such as Shishimaru-kun coloring, Hyottoko/Okame/Fox costume fitting, small lion dance experience, lion boomerang experience, and scrap cloth Fukuwarai experience.

Event Outline
Name: Ishioka Spring Lion Festival 2026
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (public holiday) 9:30-17:00 (Rain or shine, canceled in stormy weather)
Venue: Ishioka Event Plaza (3-1-1 Wakamiya, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Access: About a 12-minute walk from JR Joban Line 'Ishioka Station'
Admission: Free (No advance registration required)
Official Website: https://www.shishimatsuri.com/

About Traffic
There is no parking lot inside the venue. General vehicles will not be allowed to enter on the day. Please use the temporary parking lot, public parking lots, or private parking lots.
Temporary Parking Lot: 1-19-48 Ishioka, Ishioka City, Ibaraki 315-0001 (Former Kashima Railway site, right outside the east exit of Ishioka Station)

Main Time Schedule (Planned)
9:00 Lion Assembly
9:30 Opening Ceremony, Schedule Explanation
10:00 Dobashi Lion Dance Preservation Society - Shoden Dance
10:30 All Neighborhoods Simultaneous Lion Dance
10:50 Shishimaru-kun Appearance (in front of the stage)
11:00 Selected Lion Dance Contest
12:15 Jakamokojan Performance
13:00 Belly Dance - Sadiqa belly dance group
13:35 All Neighborhoods Simultaneous Lion Dance Series
14:05 Free Lion Dance Contest (in front of the stage) - Open participation with own lions
14:50 Lion Girls & Boys Presentation (Stage) - Shishimaru-kun appearance
15:25 Sweet Throwing (in front of the stage)
15:45 Neighborhood Simultaneous Lion Grand Procession (Event Venue)
16:30 Contest Awards Ceremony (in front of the stage)
16:50 Closing Ceremony
*Times and contents are subject to change.

Participating Neighborhoods
Exhibition (13 Neighborhoods)
Kanemaru-cho, Moriyoko-cho, Miyashita-cho, Mizukubo-cho, Rokkenhigashi-cho, Ogawamichi-cho, Azuma-cho, Deshiyama-cho, Osuna-cho, Shojouchi-cho, Tokodai, Kakioka, Tomita-cho.