Opening day of the 6-day Grand Festival - sacred floats and lanterns illuminate Katase's summer beginning

About this spot

The Grand Festival of Katase Suwa Shrine, rooted in the local community, is held over 6 days from August 23-28, a major summer event. Today marks the festival's opening day, when lanterns decorate the grounds and approach, and you can feel the beginning of the festivities to come. Mikoshi (sacred float) processions and community-wide events occur throughout the festival period, with the entire Katase district enveloped in summer festival atmosphere. Food stalls are scheduled for August 26-27 only, so on the opening day, quietly enjoying the shrine grounds' atmosphere and watching local preparations is the perfect way to spend this special day.

Season & hours

Tips

Food stalls appear only on 8/26-27, so finish your dinner in the Enoshima area beforehand. The grounds can become crowded with visitors after dark, so families with small children should be careful not to get separated. Check local shrine notices for detailed festival dates and schedules.

Best time to visit

After sunset, from 6 PM onward when lanterns are lit, the festival atmosphere is most enjoyable

Access & map

Katase Suwa Shrine vicinity, Fujisawa, Kanagawa