2026 Toride Shrine Whale-Boat Event: A Full Day to Enjoy

The 《Toride Shrine Whale-Boat Event (鳥出神社の鯨船行事)》 is passed down at Toride Shrine (鳥出神社) in the Tomida district of Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture. In 2026, it's held over two days, Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, and it's a mighty festival, designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, in which young people vigorously carry whale-shaped festival floats called 《kujirabune (whale boats)》. This course is a full-day plan centered on the festival's first day, September 26. Start by visiting Tomida Ichirizuka (富田一里塚), which conveys the history of the old Tokaido (東海道), then take a breather at Hamazono Green Space (浜園緑地), where a promenade continues through a grove of acorn trees. Next, get active at Tarusaka Park and Hazuyama Green Space (垂坂公園・羽津山緑地), popular for its large slide, and after fueling up at the shopping street in front of Kintetsu Tomida Station (近鉄富田駅), watch the whale-boat event around Toride Shrine. The first day's town parade runs from around 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This is a day to encounter the story of the sea and faith passed down in Yokkaichi's Tomida district.