Itsukushima Shrine, Kangensai Festival venue (嚴島神社(管絃祭会場))

Flow of the course

About this spot

The Kangensai Festival is said to have been introduced by Taira no Kiyomori during the Heian period from Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka, and is one of the most important sacred rites at Itsukushima Shrine. Set against the backdrop of the Great Torii Gate rising from the sea, gozabune boats playing gagaku court music make a procession between the shrine and Jigozen Shrine, and the lanterns, bonfires, and gagaku music floating on the night sea create a mystical scene. In 2026, the rites will proceed from around 3:00 p.m. to around 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, timed to the high tide. Spectators typically watch from the corridors of Itsukushima Shrine, around the Great Torii Gate, or from the opposite shore, and the moment the gozabune boat passes beneath the Great Torii Gate is the festival's biggest highlight. Since the rites last for many hours from evening into night, finding a spot to settle down partway through will let your family enjoy it at ease.

Festival details

Tips

The gozabune boats' schedule shifts each year depending on the tides, so check on-site announcements or official information for the latest schedule on the day. It gets dark underfoot at night, so a flashlight or phone light is reassuring to have. The area around the pier gets extremely crowded, so plan your return ferry with plenty of time to spare.

Best time to visit

From around 5:00 p.m. into the night is the heart of the festival. The time when the gozabune boat crosses near the Great Torii Gate is the biggest highlight.

Access & map

広島県 廿日市市宮島町・嚴島神社及び周辺