[Gunma Prefecture, Nakanojo Town] How to Enjoy the 400-Year-Old "Torioi Matsuri" Festival

• Table of Contents
• What is the Torioi Festival?
• How to enjoy the Torioi Festival
• Torioi Festival Event Details

What is the Torioi Festival?

The Torioi Festival is said to have begun in 1604 to drive away birds and animals that damage fields, and to pray for bountiful harvests, protection from misfortune in the town, and safety for households. Every year on January 14th, people parade through the town beating about 10 drums of various sizes. The sight of the large drums being beaten in unison while shouting is a spectacular sight. People in their unlucky years and shop owners also throw mandarin oranges, praying for protection from misfortune and prosperity in business.

How to enjoy the Torioi Festival

①Enjoy the drumming!

The simultaneous beating of large drums accompanied by shouts is called "Issei Daiko." You can enjoy the simultaneous drumming from around 12:00 to 20:00 in various locations around the town.

We'll be singing and playing the drums, so be sure to listen carefully to the lyrics!

The Torioi Festival is also held in other areas of the town (Shima Onsen, Sawatari Onsen, Kuni, etc.), and the lyrics are slightly different, so it's interesting to compare them.

The sound of the drums being struck simultaneously is very powerful! Please come and experience it for yourself.

②Let's try playing the Torioi drum!

Between the drumming accompaniment, there is a moment when anyone can try their hand at hitting the drums. You can also try your hand at hitting the drums while being taught the tricks to hitting them well. This is also a chance to pose in front of the large drum and take photos.

3. Catch the lucky mandarins!

After the drumming, the "Mikan Throwing" event takes place. People in their unlucky years throw mandarins to ward off bad luck, and merchants throw mandarins to pray for prosperity in business.

Among the mandarins, there are some that come with prizes, called "Fuku Mikan"! Don't forget to check if the mandarin oranges you catch have a winning ticket attached. Products can only be exchanged on the day of the festival, until the end of the festival.

Torioi Festival Event Details

・Date: January 14, 2026

・Event time: 12:00 - 20:30

Location: Nakanojo Shopping Street, Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture

・Nearest station: Nakanojo Station on the JR Agatsuma Line

About a 15-minute walk from Nakanojo Station. Or take the bus bound for Shima Onsen and get off at the Kaminocho bus stop.

The national highway in front of the Tsumuji Hometown Exchange Center will be turned into a pedestrian zone, and people will parade through the area, beating the drums.

If you are walking, from Nakanojo Station, walk towards the Tsumuji Hometown Exchange Center.

Hometown Exchange Center Tsumuji

377-0424 938 Nakanojo-cho, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefectur...

It is a place where many fun things gather, such as a cafe that uses local ingredients, a shop that sells traditional crafts and one-of-a-kind items by artists, and a foot bath from Shima Onsen. Around the lawn square, there are restaurants, clothing stores, general stores, and the Nakanojo Town Tourism Association information center.