Experience

This is a regular summer event at Fukuchi Onsen. The lion dance "Henbetori," which is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of the city, is performed every night. The lion dance is based on a legend that when Emperor Murakami secretly visited the hot springs for therapeutic purposes, he soothed a poisonous snake that was tormenting the villagers with the beautiful sound of a flute and then vanquished it. It is a rare and charming lion dance in which the lion and snake playfully interact with each other to the sound of the flute. An ema (votive tablet) market is also held.