Ayabe Odori is based on a dance made famous by Takasue Kuki, the first Lord of Ayabe, 350 years ago, and has a powerful, dynamic rhythm that contrasts with the deep, misty Ayabe landscape. Like many Japanese folk dances it is accompanied by a nonsensical chanted refrain, in this Yashitoko, yashitokose, and for this reason it is also known as Yashitoko Odori. Every year, about 20 groups called ren participate, dancing the local Ayabe folk dance with live musical accompaniment on traditional Japanese instruments. Participants dressed in yukata (light summer kimono) or matching happi coats dance in a circle around the central turret, and the festival gets livelier and livelier!