Tokyo Tama Tourist Site

What is the Kiyoto Lion Dance at Hie Shrine?

The Tama region is home to many traditions of the “Three-Lion Dance” (Sanbiki Shishimai), and Kiyose City preserves one of these valuable folk performing arts. The dance features three lion characters: the Great Lion (Ojishi), the Middle Lion (Nakajishi), and the Female Lion (Mejishi).

Although its exact origins remain unknown, local tradition holds that the dance began when Hojo Ujiteru, lord of Hachioji Castle, dedicated it in prayer for lasting military success. The tradition is said to have first been transmitted to the area known as Kiyoto Shimojuku and later developed in Nakakiyoto as a festival praying for abundant harvests and protection from misfortune. In 1977, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kiyose City.

The festival is held every July. On the day of the event, the lion dancers set out from the center of Nakakiyoto and proceed along Shiki Kaido Road toward Zenyuji Temple, Suitengu Shrine, and finally Hie Shrine. Leading the procession are the Yama-no-Kami (Mountain Deity) and a performer carrying a decorative flower hat (Hanagasa), dancing as they advance. Behind them, the Female Lion, Middle Lion, and Great Lion march while beating drums in rhythm with the melodies of flutes and percussion instruments.

A Performance of Elegance and Power

In front of the shrine pavilion, the lions perform an energetic dance lasting approximately 45 minutes. The performance is accompanied by flutes and traditional lion songs sung by performers who conceal their mouths behind white folding fans. Additional dances are presented in front of a small mound known as Mitake-yama and before the shrine building of Suitengu Shrine.

At the entrance torii gate of Hie Shrine, visitors will notice a large straw serpent wrapped around a camellia tree, its bright red tongue extending outward. This serpent is created and installed by local parishioners on the day before the lion dance dedication ceremony as a prayer for protection from misfortune. Each year, the old serpent is replaced with a newly crafted one, symbolizing renewal.

The Great Lion is distinguished by its long twisted gold and red horns. The Middle Lion bears grooved horns that narrow at the center. The Female Lion is smaller, hornless, and decorated with a modest three-colored ornament along its nose. Beneath the jaws of each lion hangs a cloth called a mizuhiki; the Great and Middle Lions wear white cloths, while the Female Lion wears red.

During the dance, performers occasionally lift these cloths gracefully into the air. Spectators gather around the lions in a circle, calling out encouragement as if cheering them on. Through this shared experience, the bonds within the community are strengthened once again.

Kiyose City also preserves another traditional performing art known as Shimojuku Bayashi, a festival music tradition performed during the spring and autumn festivals at Shimojuku Hachiman Shrine. Accompanied by long-bodied drums, small drums, flutes, gongs, and wooden clappers, performers portraying characters such as Okame, Hyottoko, lions, and heavenly foxes dance to lively festival rhythms.

Event Period	Mid-July
Official Website	https://www.city.kiyose.lg.jp/bunkasportskankou/rekishi/saijiki/1002317.html Note: Event dates may vary from year to year. Please contact the shrine or organizers for the latest schedule.
Access	• Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kiyose Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line • Alternatively, take the Seibu Bus [Kiyo 64] route from Bus Stop No. 3 at the north exit of Kiyose Station and get off at Suitengu-mae (Kiyose City)
Photo Courtesy	Takako Mogaki