Since the discovery of the hot spring in Meiji 16, this traditional festival has been held continuously from the end of the Meiji period. It is a festival of the Yakushi Shrine, the guardian deity of the hot spring, held annually on April 29. The festival begins with a dance dedication by the Awara geisha, and continues with a procession of mikoshi and three types of floats parading through the hot spring town. The large "Ningyo-yama" features motifs of Sengoku warlords. "Taiko-yama" features drumming. And in the flower-adorned "Sakura-yama (Hanayama)", the geisha perform brilliant hayashi music. Many stalls are set up, providing a lively hot spring town atmosphere to enjoy. Event held on the same day every year from 12:00 to 18:30 Venue: Awara Hot Spring Town Attendance: 5,000 to 6,000 people