The largest yosakoi festival in the Kansai region, "Kyoto Sakura Yosakoi," was held on April 5th and 6th, 2025, at five venues, including Okazaki Park (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City) and Nijo Castle (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City). Performers in colorful costumes performed dynamic dances, thrilling the audience.
The festival has been held since 2005 by an executive committee made up of university students in Kyoto. This year, about 90 teams and about 4,000 people participated from all over the country, including Kyoto Prefecture, Hokkaido, and Yamaguchi Prefecture.
On April 6th, a parade was held on Jingu-michi in Okazaki Park, where performers marched along a stage about 60 meters long. Performers in gorgeous costumes in yellow and light blue danced vigorously to powerful music using naruko and Japanese umbrellas. The audience cheered and applauded their sharp movements and graceful jumps.
A 48-year-old female office worker from Kobe City said, "It's been a few years since I last visited, but it was as impressive as ever and it really gave me energy."
Around the stage, there were about 20 food and drink booths and a monkey show, and the event was bustling with visitors.
