Location: Niida, Jumonji-machi, Yokote City
Site(s) of performance: Shinzan Shrine, Niida Community Center, and other places in the community
Date(s): September 7 and 8
Designation: Prefecture-Designated Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
The origin of Niida Bangaku goes back to ancient times. In the late 9th century, a person from Kyoto, Yahagi Ōinosuke Yoshimoto, established Yudonosan Shinzan Daigongen Shrine here with the same deity as the one at Yudonosan Shrine (in present-day Yamagata Prefecture). Bangaku was performed at the foundation of the new shrine, which became the tradition of Niida Bangaku. The lion dance is sometimes performed for new houses, as it is believed to have power against fire. The music is played with drums, Japanese flutes, and gongs.

About Shishimai and Bangaku