The Hyotan Festival was held on December 7, 2025, in Chitose-cho, Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture.
Although the festival is properly called the "Shimotsuki Festival," it is commonly known as the "Hyotan Festival," named after the central ceremonial figure, Hyotan-sama.

This festival has been handed down for more than 800 years in the Takahata and Shibayama districts of Chitose-cho around Shibayama Hachiman Shrine in Bungo-Ōno City.
Hyotan-sama, wearing a long gourd on the head, a large *miki*-filled (sacred sake) gourd suspended from the shoulder, and large straw sandals (*waraji*), is accompanied by a divine horse and lion dancers. Hyotan-sama parades along the approach to the shrine to the calls of "yoisho, yoisho." Hyotan-sama dispenses *miki* from the shoulder-hung gourd to people along the route, praying for good health, protection from illness, and a bountiful harvest.
In addition to the procession, lion dances and *kagura* (Shinto ritual dances) are performed.

■■Access to central Bungo-Ōno City from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, etc.■■
From JR Hakata Station (Fukuoka): about a 3-hour drive.
From JR Kumamoto Station (Kumamoto): about a 2-hour drive.
From JR Beppu Station (Oita): about a 1-hour 20-minute drive.
From JR Yufuin Station (Oita): about a 1-hour 20-minute drive.

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Tourist information and recommended spots in Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture (Kyushu)
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