Toride Shrine (Whale-Boat Event Venue) (鳥出神社(鯨船行事会場))

Flow of the course

About this spot

This mighty festival, passed down since the Edo period at Toride Shrine (鳥出神社) in Tomida-isshiki-cho, Yokkaichi City, is designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Young people carry wooden, whale-shaped festival floats called 《kujirabune (whale boats)》, parading from the shrine grounds through the town while shouting 《Yare》. It's an event imbued with the history of a region once prosperous through whaling, and with gratitude for bountiful catches, and in 2026 it's held over two days, Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. The way the excitement of the bearers and the cheers of the spectators become one is a scene symbolic of autumn in Yokkaichi.

Season & hours

Tips

The area around the route the whale boats parade through gets crowded, so secure your viewing spot early. Access on foot from Kintetsu Tomida Station (近鉄富田駅) or Kintetsu Tomida-isshiki Station (近鉄富田一色駅) is recommended.

Best time to visit

The first day's (9/26) town parade runs from about 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On the second day (9/27), the main parade and shrine visit take place at the shrine.

Access & map

三重県 四日市市・鳥出神社