Ishidori Festival
Our ritual
Kuwana Ishidori Festival
Experience the Soul-Stirring Power of Japan’s Loudest Festival
The Kuwana Ishidori Festival is a renowned traditional event held every year on the weekend of the first Sunday in August in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture. Centered around the sacred grounds of Kuwana Sosha (Kasuga Shrine), the entire city comes alive with energy and excitement. With roots dating back to the Edo period, this UNESCO-recognized festival is celebrated as “Japan’s Loudest Festival” and stands out as one of the country’s most unique cultural traditions. The powerful sounds of drums and gongs from the beautifully decorated festival floats, the glowing lanterns, and the strong sense of community create a truly unforgettable scene. The Ishidori Festival is a living example of Japanese cultural heritage that continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.
Origins and History
Echoes of the Past—A 400-Year-Old Legacy Lives On
The Kuwana Ishidori Festival has a history of over 400 years, beginning in the Edo period. It started as a ritual where stones were carried from the Machiya River to purify the grounds of Kuwana Sosha. Over time, this ceremony evolved into a vibrant procession of ornate festival floats, becoming a symbol of faith and unity for the community. The unique rhythms of drums and gongs, handed down through generations, still echo passionately through the streets of Kuwana today. The festival was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 2007, and was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.
Festival Highlights
Lanterns, Drums, and Unity—The Magic of Ishidori Festival
The festival’s main attraction is the grand parade of over 40 festival floats. Each float, a work of art with detailed carvings, a canopy, and metal decorations, is equipped with a large drum at the back and several gongs on the sides. At night, lanterns light up the floats, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the city. Each neighborhood performs its own unique rhythms and chants, producing a powerful and unified soundscape that truly lives up to the festival’s reputation as the loudest in Japan. The festival begins at midnight on Saturday with the dramatic “Tatakidashi” opening, quickly filling Kuwana with excitement. On Sunday evening, all the floats gather at Kuwana Sosha for the “Tosai” procession, culminating in a sacred dedication ceremony.
UNESCO Heritage Value
More Than a Festival—A Cultural Treasure for Humanity
The Kuwana Ishidori Festival is more than just a celebration—it is a vital part of the local identity. Each neighborhood manages its own float, passing down skills and traditions from one generation to the next. The festival brings together people of all ages, strengthening community ties and embodying the spirit of Japanese harmony. Its registration as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, as part of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, Float Festivals in Japan,” recognizes its value not only as a local treasure but as a tradition of worldwide significance. The festival inspires both participants and visitors, highlighting the importance of preserving and sharing cultural heritage and community bonds.
An Invitation to the World
Feel the Heartbeat of Japan in Kuwana
The Kuwana Ishidori Festival offers a rare opportunity to experience Japanese traditional culture with all five senses. Its powerful sounds and striking visual beauty captivate everyone who visits. The passion of the festival participants, the impressive and dreamlike scenes of the floats parading through the streets, and the vibrant smiles of the local residents all come together to create an unforgettable experience. We warmly welcome visitors from around the world to join us in Kuwana and share in the spirit of Japan. The Ishidori Festival is more than just a festival—it is a timeless story where hearts and spirits come together as one.
Access & Event Information
- Dates:
- Annually, from midnight on the Saturday before the first Sunday of August through late Sunday night
- Location:
- Around Kuwana Sosha (Kasuga Shrine), Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, Japan
- Access:
- Within walking distance from JR/Kintetsu Kuwana Station. About 30 minutes from Nagoya Station, with convenient access from Osaka as well.
