At Yamaguni Shrine in Keihoku, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, an annual festival was held, featuring a procession recreating the "Ishinkinno Yamaguni Corps." The "Yamaguni Sakigake Festa," which was launched to liven up the annual festival, celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and attracted a large number of tourists.
During the Boshin War, farmers from Yamaguni Village organized the "Ishinkinno Yamaguni Corps" and joined the new government forces. They also participated in the battle against the shogunate forces. The Yamaguni Corps is the pride of the region, and at the annual festival, a "Yamaguni Army Band," modeled after the group, consisting of around 60 members, marched carrying the brocade imperial flag.
The annual festival will be held on October 12, 2025. As the procession proceeded down the approach to the shrine to the rhythm of the "pee-hara-pee-hyoro" flutes and drums, people watched them off with cameras ready and hands clapping. The procession was warmly welcomed by local residents as it toured nearby shrines.
The Yamakuni Sakigake Festa was started 30 years ago to liven up the festival, and this year around 20 stalls were set up selling yakisoba, udon, game meat curry and other dishes.
