2026 Kuwana Ishidori Festival Full-Day Experience Course
The Kuwana Ishidori Festival unfolds at Kasuga Shrine (Kuwana Soja), the guardian shrine of Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture. In 2026, it will be held over two days, August 1 (Saturday) and 2 (Sunday), and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folklore Cultural Property. The roaring sounds of taiko and kane envelop the entire city, making this a magnificent festival. Also known as "Japan's loudest festival," the golden festival floats that strike these instruments create an overwhelming spectacle. This course is a full-day plan centered on August 1, the opening day. In the morning, view the festival floats up close at Ishidori Kaikan, previewing the festival's history and appeal. Then stroll through Rokkaen, where a Meiji-era Western-style building and Japanese garden harmonize. Enjoy the cool waterside at Kyuka Park by the moat of Kuwana Castle ruins. After taking a moment at the Shichiri no Watashi ferry site, which evokes the history of the Tokaido, enjoy an early dinner at Sunfaire Kuwana to prepare your stomach. As evening approaches, head to the area around Kasuga Shrine to experience the fervent atmosphere of the festival's main event with its parade of floats. Wearing yukata will make your summer day in Kuwana truly special.
Schedule
View the festival floats that are pulled in the festival up close and preview the evening's main event
Stroll through the former residence of a Meiji-era businessman, with Western-style building and Japanese garden
Cool off while gazing at the water moat and stone walls of Kuwana Castle ruins
View Ise Bay from the ruins of the Shichiri no Watashi ferry crossing, once Tokaido's premier sea route
Have dinner at the station-front commercial complex, building appetite before the festival's main event
A National Important Intangible Folklore Cultural Property, experience the main event with festival floats being pulled around
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