2026 Shiodome Kannon Festival: A Full-Day Course

This full-day course centers on the Shiodome Kannon Festival (潮塞観音祭), held at Shiodome Kannon (潮塞観音) in Shiroishi Town, Kishima District, Saga Prefecture (2026: held on Tuesday, August 25). In the daytime, encounter the magnificent scenery of Yutoku Inari Shrine (祐徳稲荷神社), one of Japan's three great Inari shrines, its vermillion halls set against the mountainside. Next, walk the lush green approach of Inasa Shrine (稲佐神社), an ancient shrine of the Hizen region, then take in a view over the town from Atago Shrine (愛宕神社) on Mt. Atago, also known as Shiroishi Fuji (白石富士). In the evening, have an early dinner near Hizen-Ryuo Station (肥前竜王駅) to prepare for the night's event. At 5:00 p.m., lights come on at Shiodome Kannon, and a prayer event passed down through the community quietly begins. This is a day rich in learning for families, touring vermillion shrines and a traditional event unique to Shiroishi Town, which faces the Ariake Sea.