Tsugishi and Onmaku dance illuminate the port town - Imabari's largest summer festival

About this spot

Imabari's representative summer festival, proudly called "Japan's Most Festival-Loving Town," takes place throughout Imabari Harbor and surrounding shopping streets. The "Tsugishi" (stacked lion dance), a rare and spectacular folk art where performers form human towers and manipulate a lion head from atop, is one of the festival's highlights. "Onmaku dance" performances feature local residents and organizations in matching happi coats filling the port town streets. Brimming with the vitality and humor characteristic of a shipbuilding town, this festival symbolizes Imabari's summer.

Season & hours

Tips

Extensive traffic restrictions are in effect around the venue. Tsugishi performances peak at certain times, so check the official schedule beforehand. In crowded areas, a baby sling is more practical than a stroller.

Best time to visit

From 5:00 p.m. onward. The Tsugishi and dance parades reach their peak from 6:00 p.m. onward.

Access & map

Ehime Prefecture, Imabari City - Imabari Harbor, Hiroko-ji Street, Ginza and Honmachi Shopping Streets area