A Magnificent 1,800+-Year-Old Summer Festival Where Young People Parade Carrying Towering Bamboo Branches

About this spot

The Suhou-tei Matsuri, held over seven days (August 7-13, 2026) at Imomiya Shrine in Chofu, is a grand summer festival with over 1,800 years of history, reportedly tracing its origins to the time of Emperor Chuai. Young men carry towering bamboo branches decorated with silk flowers, parading through the shrine grounds with shouts of "Kiri-hyoutan," creating a magnificent spectacle. As the night deepens, the shrine grounds fill with numerous spectators, and the sight of numerous tall bamboo branches swaying against the night sky is a breathtaking spectacle unique to Shimonoseki, unlike any festival seen elsewhere.

Season & hours

Tips

The venue becomes very crowded at night, and parking lots may fill up early. Since the shrine grounds become densely packed, families with small children may prefer to observe from a distance rather than pushing toward the front for safety.

Best time to visit

After 5:00 PM, with the most impressive displays beginning after 7:00 PM when the bamboo parade reaches its peak.

Access & map

Yamaguchi Prefecture, Shimonoseki City, Imomiya Shrine Grounds