A National Important Intangible Folklore Cultural Property, experience the main event with festival floats being pulled around

About this spot

The Kuwana Ishidori Festival, a traditional event continuing since the Edo period, unfolds at Kasuga Shrine (Kuwana Soja), Kuwana's guardian shrine. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folklore Cultural Property, it is also known as "Japan's loudest festival" because of the festival floats created with each town's unique ideas being pulled while constantly striking taiko and kane. In 2026, it will be held over two days on August 1 (Saturday) and 2 (Sunday), and this course spotlights the fervent atmosphere of August 1, the opening day. Golden-gleaming festival floats gather around the shrine, and as the sounds of taiko and kane overlap, the experience becomes even more profound with the preview gained from viewing at Ishidori Kaikan during the day. Check the official information or local guides for details on start times and the exact routes the floats will take.

Season & hours

Tips

The area around the shrine becomes extremely crowded on festival day, and vehicle traffic may be restricted. Using public transportation is safer. The status of food stalls varies by year, so finishing dinner at Sunfaire Kuwana beforehand is recommended. Small children may be startled by the loud sounds, so adjust your distance while observing their reaction.

Best time to visit

Festival floats begin to gather from evening onwards, with the most fervent atmosphere after dark.

Access & map

Mie Prefecture, Kuwana City, Area around Kasuga Shrine