A Deeper Dive! Introducing the Region’s Daijayama Festivals
The Daijayama (the six main mountains) that participate in Ōmuta’s Gion Festival summer parade are, of course, incredibly cool!
But in Ōmuta and the surrounding areas, there are many more unique and fascinating Daijayama!
Here, we’ll introduce you to these “deeper” Daijayama.
For those who want to learn about the main, classic Daijayama first, please check out these articles.
Ōmuta’s Daijayama (Other than the Gion Six & Parade)
Kachidachi Daijayama
This Daijayama appears in the ‘Kachidachi Daijayama Festival,’ which aims to energize the community through the “solidarity, cooperation, and friendship” of the Amanohara and Tamagawa elementary school districts!
Kuranaga Daija – Kuranaga Seiryū
This Daijayama originates from the legend of the Blue Dragon (Seiryū) of Kuranaga. It debuted in August 2025 at the local ‘Kuranaga Yoi Matsuri’ festival. Keep an eye out to see if it joins the main parade next year!
- Feature: Its most distinct characteristic is that, unlike other Daija, it has arms and legs!
Daijayama from Outside Ōmuta (Non-Parade)
Wataze Daija
This Daijayama festival is held in the Wataze district of Shimokusuda, Takata-machi, Miyama City. Compared to the Ōmuta Daija, its spiky horns are more rounded, giving it a somewhat charmingly cute expression (in my personal opinion).
Enoura-machi Gion Matsuri
This photo is of the Shinmachi Daija from 2022
While the Ōmuta Daija primarily shake their heads “horizontally,” the Enoura Daija’s main movement is “vertical.” When they meet other Daija during the procession, they engage in a close-range firework battle, creating a unique and intense spectacle not seen in Ōmuta!
- Highlight: At the end of the festival, there is a joint performance by the three mountains, which is truly a sight to see.
The Mountains of the Enoura-machi Gion Matsuri
Ninomaru Yoshiwara Daijayama
Shinmachi Daijayama
Furumachi Daijayama
Tanaka Odoriyama (Dance Stage Float)
This is the only “Odoriyama” (Dance Stage Float) in the Enoura-machi Gion Matsuri. A stage is set up inside the float where children in kimonos perform elegant dances to entertain the audience.
