10 Giant Festivals Held in Autumn 2026: Looking Back at Their Impact Across Japan

Furusato Hyappemochi Festival (Iwamizawa, Hokkaido)

The Furusato Hyappemochi Festival expresses hopes for a bountiful harvest and celebrates Iwamizawa-grown glutinous rice throughGiant-mortar mochi poundingan autumn festival that expresses the season through.A giant mortar 2.2 meters in diameter and weighing 5.5 tonsThe yoitomake method drops a 200-kilogram mallet from a height of about 5 meters into the giant mortar, creating an impressive spectacle accompanied by taiko and shouts. You can also enjoy mochi tossing and food stalls.

Highlights of the Furusato Hyappemochi Festival

Watch not only the moment the mallet falls, but also how everyone works together.

Location and access

Venue and address

Held around the intersection of 4jō-nishi 2-chōme in Iwamizawa City, on Sakae-dōri (1jō-nishi 2-chōme to 5jō-nishi 2-chōme), 4jō-dōri (4jō-nishi 1-chōme to 4jō-nishi 5-chōme), and 3jō-dōri (3jō-nishi 2-chōme to 3jō-nishi 3-chōme).

Train and bus

It is a 5-minute walk from Iwamizawa Station on the JR Hakodate and Muroran lines to the special venue on 4jō-dōri. During the event, local bus routes are diverted.

By car

Traffic restrictions will be in effect on some sections of 4jō-dōri and Sakae-dōri near the venue, and entry will be prohibited.

Parking

There is no parking lot. Information is available on using paid parking lots.

See details about the Furusato Hyappemochi Festival →

Shige-yanagi Hachimangu Matsuribune (Azumino, Nagano)

At Shige-yanagi Hachimangu Matsuribune,A boat-shaped dashi about 15 meters long and 5 meters highmoves through the Shige-yanagi district, where rice fields stretch into the distance. The boat is decorated with a historical picture scroll made of wooden figures. On the Hachimangu grounds, it circles the Senzu Stone 3 times, after which members of the preservation associationvigorously rock the boat back and forth. The ongoing hono ceremony accompanied by hayashi is also a highlight.

Highlights of Shige-yanagi Hachimangu Matsuribune

Looking at the rice-field scenery and the large boat-shaped dashi together really conveys the festival’s distinctive character!

Location and access

Venue and address

Shige-yanagi Hachimangu, Shige-yanagi district, Minamihotaka, Toyoshina, Azumino City

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Japan’s Best Imoni Festival (Yamagata City, Yamagata)

The Japan’s Best Imoni Festival celebrates Yamagata’s food culture withThe 6.5-meter-diameter “Nabетarō III”a festival where you can enjoy. In 2026,About 30,000 servings of imonischeduled to be cooked, and the size of the giant pot itself is a major attraction.

You can enjoy Yamagata-style beef in soy sauce and Shōnai-style pork in miso, along with vendor booths and stage events.

Highlights of the Japan’s Best Imoni Festival

It’s fun to compare the two flavors along with the spectacle of the giant pot, meow~

Location and access

Venue and address

The banks of the Mamigasaki River in Yamagata City (near Sōgetsu Bridge)

Train and bus

Take a Yamakō bus bound for Numano-be from the east exit of JR Yamagata Station and get off at the Yamagata Fire Station stop. The one-way fare is 280 yen. For the return trip, take a local bus from the Yamagata Fire Station stop toward Yamagata Station.

By car

The area near the venue is subject to traffic restrictions, and cars cannot enter directly. Please use the shuttle bus from the designated parking lot.

Parking

You can use the Yamagata Prefectural Office parking lot (about 800 spaces) or the Yamagata City Public Wholesale Market (about 500 spaces). The shuttle bus runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fares are 300 yen one way for general passengers, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for preschool children.

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Indian Waterwheel Festival (Chitose, Hokkaido)

The Indian Waterwheel Festival is centered on salmon swimming up the Chitose River andA water-powered fish wheelan autumn event centered onThe wheel splashing as it turnsconveys the natural flow of the water and the history of fishing in the area.

There are highlights beyond the giant equipment, including salmon hot pot, salmon roe bento, log-sawing races, and yamame fishing.

Highlights of the Indian Waterwheel Festival

Enjoy the autumn in Chitose while watching the waterwheel turn and the salmon swim upstream.

Location and access

Venue and address

Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (2-4-2 Hanazono, Chitose, Hokkaido)

Train and bus

About a 15-minute walk from JR Chitose Station. Bus information is currently being checked.

By car

About 10 minutes from Chitose IC on the Dōō Expressway.

Parking

200 spaces, free. Crowds are expected during the event, and visitors arriving by car are directed to use the temporary parking lot at Salmon Park Chitose. In 2026, the temporary parking lot at Sumiyoshi Softball Field was designated.

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Hōrai Festival (Hakusan, Ishikawa)

At the Hōrai Festival, mikoshi, shishimai performers,Floats made by each neighborhoodare paraded through the Tsurugi district of Hakusan City.Giant figures about 5 meters tallis made each year with a distinctive design based on subjects such as historical military commanders and kabuki performances, and its appearance changes when illuminated at night. The stick-spinning display and the mikoshi proceeding up steep stone steps are also striking.

Highlights of the Hōrai Festival

Comparing the floats’ changing appearance by day and night really brings out their individual character!

Location and access

Venue and address

In the Tsurugi district of Hakusan City. The address is 118 Mi, Hizume-cho, Hakusan, Ishikawa (the address given for Kinkengu).

Train and bus

Tsurugi Station on the Hokuriku Railroad Ishikawa Line is listed. Bus information is currently being checked.

By car

From Hakusan IC, head south on National Route 157 for 30 minutes.

Parking

Information about festival parking is currently being checked. Because of traffic restrictions, visitors are advised to use public transportation whenever possible.

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Kakegawa Festival (Kakegawa, Shizuoka)

The Kakegawa Festival isInvolving 7 shrines and 41 neighborhoodsand features float processions, shishimai, and performances by each neighborhood.The tegi-awase and teppana when floats pass each otheralong with major performances such as the Great Lion and the Yakko Procession.

Its appeal lies in the scale of multiple floats and performances coming together amid the castle town and streets of the old Tōkaidō.

Highlights of the Kakegawa Festival

Location and access

Venue and address

Held in the central district around Kakegawa Station.

Train and bus

Get off at Kakegawa Station on the Tōkaidō Line (Shinkansen) or the Tenryū Hamanako Railway. During the festival, bus routes will be diverted, and delays due to traffic congestion are expected.

By car

During the festival, cars cannot enter the central district, and general vehicle traffic is prohibited in principle. If arriving by car, use a paid parking lot near Kakegawa Station.

Parking

The Ōtemon parking lot is unavailable from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 9, 2026, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on October 10 and the 11th.

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Toyohama Chōsa Festival (Kan’onji, Kagawa)

Toyohama Chōsa Festival isTaikodai decorated with gold-thread embroideryis carried through the district in an autumn festival procession. On the final day,All 23 gather at Ichinomiya Shrinefor a spirited carrying contest accompanied by shouts.

The outlines of the taikodai lit by lanterns and illuminations at night, as well as their lavish decorations by day, enhance the impact of this giant festival.

Highlights of the Toyohama Chōsa Festival

To appreciate the taikodai, notice the embroidery by day and the lights at night.

Location and access

Venue and address

Toyohama district, including Toyohama Hachiman Shrine and Ichinomiya Shrine. The main address provided is Ichinomiya Shrine (156 Himehama, Toyohama-cho, Kan’onji, Kagawa 769-1601).

Train and bus

About a 10-minute walk (900 m) or a 3-minute taxi ride (950 m) from JR Toyohama Station. From JR Kan’onji Station, take the shared bus to near Suga Intersection.

By car

About 4 minutes (1.5 km) from Ōnohara IC on the Takamatsu Expressway.

Parking

Toyohama Elementary School, Toyohama Junior High School, the former Fujibo site, and Ichinomiya Beach are listed as temporary parking lots.

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Kōnosu Fireworks Festival (Kōnosu, Saitama)

The Kōnosu Fireworks Festival launches fireworks over the Arakawa riverbedA fireworks festival launching about 20,000 fireworksis.The finale, “Hōō Ranbu”features a series of fireworks of shaku-dama size and above, while the four-shaku-dama makes its presence felt through its distinctive sound and reach.

It is also distinctive for being organized with public participation, reflecting hopes for local commercial and industrial development and for children.

Highlights of the Kōnosu Fireworks Festival

Location and access

Venue and address

Nukata Sports Ground (1073-1 Nukata, Kōnosu, Saitama).

Train and bus

About a 40-minute walk from JR Kōnosu Station. On October 10, 2026, some services on the community bus “Flower-go” are scheduled to be suspended due to traffic restrictions and road congestion.

By car

Crowds are expected around the venue. Check which areas and times are subject to traffic restrictions before you visit.

Parking

Nukata paid parking lot and Yoshimi General Sports Park parking lot are listed.

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National Jumbo Rabbit Festival (Daisen, Akita)

The National Jumbo Rabbit Festival is a judging contest where visitors compare large white rabbits that have been raised in the Nakasen area of Daisen City.A judging contest comparing large white rabbitsis.Jumbo class: 8 kilograms or moreThere are categories judged on body length and weight, as well as the combined weight of 3 rabbits, and rabbits are assessed not only for size but also for shape and coat.

Activities such as a weight-guessing contest and mochi pounding are also held.

Highlights of the National Jumbo Rabbit Festival

Look at not only their weight but also differences in shape and coat, meow~

Location and access

Venue and address

Donpan Square (in front of the Daisen City Nakasen Branch Office). The address is 141 Chabatake, Kitanagano, Daisen, Akita.

Train and bus

A 5-minute walk from JR Ugo-Nagano Station. Take the Ugo Kotsu bus to the Ugo-Nagano Station stop, then walk 5 minutes.

By car

About 30 minutes from Ōmagari IC on the Akita Expressway via National Route 105. From Morioka IC on the Tōhoku Expressway, it is about 50 minutes via National Route 105.

Parking

100 spaces, free.

See details about the National Jumbo Rabbit Festival →

Ōinoko Festival (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima)

The Ōinoko Festival, held in Fukuro-machi Park,using 88 bamboo poles,Raise a huge stone weighing about 1.5 tons into the aircommunity event. The “Inoko Installation,” which suspends the stone using the tension of the bamboo, creates a distinctive scene in which a giant structure appears in an urban park.

The presence of the citizens’ group supporting the festival is also notable as part of its deep roots in the community.

Highlights of the Ōinoko Festival

It’s interesting to observe up close how the bamboo is arranged to support the stone and how its tension works.

Location and access

Venue and address

Fukuro-machi Park (9-9 Fukuro-machi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City)

Train and bus

About 10 minutes by streetcar (any line except Line ⑤) from the south exit of JR Hiroshima Station to Hatchōbori stop, then about a 5-minute walk

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