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Festival of Fire & Smoke: The Legendary Serpents of Omuta

The Ultimate Guide to the Omuta Daijayama Festival: The History and Charm of the Six Mountains

The Ultimate Guide to the Omuta Daijayama Festival

Guide Jasuke

Once a year, a summer of fiery passion arrives! Camping is great, but the energy of the Daijayama festival is something truly special. Let’s dive deep into its history and charms together!

What is the Omuta Daijayama Festival?

The “Daijayama” are gigantic floats, reaching about 10 meters in length, 5 meters in height, and weighing up to 3 tons. These massive serpents are crafted from wood, bamboo, straw, and washi paper, built around a wooden frame.

Every July, these Daijayama parade through the town, roaring with fire and smoke from their mouths, accompanied by the thunderous sound of taiko drums and bells. The main event, held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of July in downtown Omuta, is especially spectacular. Numerous Daijayama from within and outside the city gather, allowing you to experience their overwhelming presence up close!

A Daijayama breathing fire and smoke during the parade.
A Daijayama breathing fire (*Photo from a past festival.)

Tracing the History of Daijayama

  • Worship of the “Daija” (Great Serpent) as a Water Deity: Since ancient times in Japan, snakes and dragons have been revered as gods of water. In this agricultural region, the great serpent was a vital being for rituals like praying for rain.
  • The “Gion Faith” for Warding Off Pestilence: During the Edo period, the Miike region suffered from plagues. The local lord built a “Gion” shrine to ward off epidemics, leading to grand Gion festivals.
  • The Fusion of Two Beliefs: The “Daija,” the water deity, was incorporated into the Gion festival. This fusion of prayers for agriculture and protection from illness is believed to have created the current form of the Daijayama. Records show a prototype existed by 1852.

Fun Fact: How Did the Festival Spread?

From its birthplace in Miike, the festival spread to various districts of Omuta during the Meiji era, forming the “Gion Rokuzan” (The Six Gion Mountains/Floats). Later, “community floats” were created to revitalize neighborhoods, evolving it into a festival for all of Omuta.

The Unique Charms of Daijayama

  • 💥 A Rare Festival Using “Living Light”: In addition to the core festival elements of movement, sound, and light (lanterns), Daijayama uses a fourth: “living light” in the form of fireworks. This makes it a rare and precious example of ancient festival forms in Japan.
  • 👶 Kamase: A traditional ritual where children are “bitten” by the serpent’s large mouth to ensure a year of good health. It’s said that the more a child cries, the greater the blessing! Now, even pets and grandparents participate.
  • 📖 The Legend of “Tsugane and the Great Serpent”: This local legend is believed to be based on “The Crab’s Gratitude” story. It merged with local beliefs to become its own unique narrative, adding another layer to the festival’s rich history.

The Soul of the Festival: “Daija-bayashi” Music

The heroic “Daija-bayashi” is essential for the festival. The fierce beat of taiko drums and bells, combined with unique chants, raises the energy to a fever pitch. Feel the heat and excitement in the official digest movie!

Daija-bayashi Lyrics

Verse 1
よぉーいこりゃ!
Yoi-korya!
ぎおんばやしで ひがのぼる えーいやさ!
The sun rises with the Gion-bayashi, E-iya-sa!
おっどんがまつりの だいじゃやま
Our festival’s Daijayama
じゃんこじゃ じゃんここ、じゃじゃりこ じゃん
Janko-ja, Janko-ko, Jajari-ko, Jan
ひゅーら ひゅらひゅら、ひゅっどん どん
Hyura, hyura-hyura, Hyuddon, don
おっどんがまつりの だしがくる
Our festival’s float is coming
だいじゃがひをふく そーらどいた!
The great serpent breathes fire, so-ra doita! (hey, clear the way!)
Verse 2
よーいこりゃ!
Yoi-korya!
ちからづななら みんなひけ えーいやさ!
Everyone pull the tow rope, E-iya-sa!
あのこもえいやさ それひいた
That girl is also pulling, so-re hiita! (heave-ho!)
じゃんこじゃ じゃんここ、じゃじゃりこ じゃん
Janko-ja, Janko-ko, Jajari-ko, Jan
ひゅーら ひゅらひゅら、ひゅっどん どん
Hyura, hyura-hyura, Hyuddon, don
むかうはちまき おどりうち
With headbands on, we dance and drum
ほれたおとこの ばちさばき
The masterful drumming of the man I love
Verse 3
よーいこりゃ!
Yoi-korya!
ぎおんまつりの ひがともる えーいやさ!
The lights of the Gion festival are lit, E-iya-sa!
かわいいほっぺに ひがゆれる
The lights sway on cute cheeks
じゃんこじゃ じゃんここ、じゃじゃりこ じゃん
Janko-ja, Janko-ko, Jajari-ko, Jan
ひゅーら ひゅらひゅら、ひゅっどん どん
Hyura, hyura-hyura, Hyuddon, don
わっしょいめだまだ さしあげろ
Wasshoi! Lift up the main attraction!
みいけやまから つきがでた
The moon has risen over Mount Miike

The Six Gion Daijayama Floats

Miike Honmachi Gion-gu

This float represents a powerful male serpent. The gorgeous float, featuring cloud-dragon carvings and a vermilion lacquer finish, is said to have been a gift from a domain lord, giving it a profound sense of history.

Miike Shinmachi Yatsurugi-jinja (Miike-han)

This is the only female serpent among the six, distinguished by a longer, narrower face. The crane carving symbolizes the sun, while the dragon represents the water deity (rain), expressing blessings for crops.

Hon-gu Yatsurugi-jinja

This is the historic Daijayama where the festival is said to have begun. Its posture, with its neck stretched out, gives it a cool appearance as if it were flying through the sky.

Omuta-jinja Dainiku Gion (Second Division)

Commonly known as “Niku,” its most striking feature is its imposing, black-based head, called “Kurogashira” (Black Head). It has one of the most valiant and fierce expressions, overwhelming all who see it.

Sanku Yatsurugi-jinja (Third Division)

Commonly known as “Sanku,” this Daijayama is highly popular for its vibrant color scheme. While preserving tradition, it actively incorporates new techniques to pursue an even more powerful and dignified appearance.

Suwa-jinja

Known as the “male serpent” for its distinctive features, its fierceness is its main appeal. It is built under a strict tradition where the work is done inside a closed warehouse, no matter how hot it gets.

Daijayama Q&A

Why don’t girls participate in the Miike Daijayama?
The Miike festival rites are a designated “Intangible Folk Cultural Property.” To preserve ancient traditions and not alter the culture, girls do not participate. This rule is born out of respect for tradition.
What happens to the serpents after the festival?
Most are dismantled in a ritual called “Yamakuzushi” to return the deity to the heavens. Parts of the serpent (paper, bamboo) are distributed as good luck charms for the year.
Are the serpents made new every year?
Yes, each serpent is handcrafted anew every year. The creation takes several months and is a crystallization of community skill and passion, meaning a unique serpent is born each year.
Why is it said that crying during “Kamase” brings blessings?
The serpent’s mouth is a sacred entrance. Being “swallowed” and “reborn” is believed to exorcise evil spirits. A baby’s loud cry is seen as proof that these spirits are being expelled.
Do the colors of the heads have specific meanings?
There are no definitive records, but theories exist. For example, based on the Five Elements, black may symbolize water and red may symbolize fire—both important to a water deity festival. Colors also help express each group’s unique character.

Gear Up for the Matsuri: Our Top Picks for a Comfortable Day

Feel the Festival: Essential Japanese Goods

Want to dive even deeper into the festival spirit? Try wearing a “Jinbei”!

Traditionally in Japan, men wear Jinbei and women wear Yukata to summer festivals. However, in recent years, more and more women are choosing Jinbei for their comfort and breathability. While a Yukata is elegant, the tight “obi” sash can feel restrictive, especially in the modern summer heat.

A Jinbei, on the other hand, is easy to move in, incredibly breathable, and has another amazing secret: it doubles as a super comfortable set of **pajamas**! It’s a versatile, practical, and authentic way to enjoy Japan. Why not give it a try?

For Men
For Women
For Kids

✈️ Easy Access: Getting to Omuta from Fukuoka

How to Get There (from Fukuoka Airport)

Please Note: Fares and times are subject to change. Please check the official websites of each transportation company before your departure.

Key Point: The Nishitetsu train does NOT go directly to the airport. You must first take the subway to Tenjin Station. This is the standard and most convenient way.
🚇 Subway + 🚄 Nishitetsu Train (Recommended Route)
1

At Fukuoka Airport (FUK), take the 🚇 Subway Kuko Line to Tenjin Station. (Approx. 11 min, ¥260)

2

At Tenjin, follow the signs and walk to the connected 🚶‍♂️ Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

3

Take the 🚄 Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line (Limited Express / 特急).
→ Get off at Shin-Sakaemachi (新栄町) for the festival center. (Approx. 58 min, ¥1,020)
→ Get off at the final stop, Omuta (大牟田), for JR connections. (Approx. 60 min, ¥1,050)

Total to Shin-Sakaemachi: Approx. 1.5 hours / ¥1,280
💡
My Quick Advice:
The festival’s heart is Shin-Sakaemachi Station. Just get to Tenjin Station first, then hop on the **Nishitetsu train**. It’s the smoothest way! 👍