Festivals and Events (for 1997)

Mashiko-yaki New Arrival Market / early January

The First Horse Day Festival / early February

Spring Pottery Festival / late April - early May Attracting visitors from all over the nation, this event is one of Tochigi's 100 best festivals. The festival is held biannually in the spring and fall.

Hydrangea Festival / late June - late July

Gion Festival / July 23 - 25

Omiki-chodai-shiki / July 24 Held during the Gion Festival, this ritual resembles the changing of the guards. Ten men in charge of the following year's Gion Festival drink 6.5 liters of sake. This Mashiko tradition has been carried on since 1853.

Ashinuma Shishi-mai Lion-mask Dance / 1st Saturday in August

Autumn Pottery Festival / early November