Iōzan Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the sight of a line of torches moving along a mountain path at dusk.

The procession sets out from Kaminokuni Hachiman Shrine, follows a mountain path past the ruins of Katsuyama Castle, and makes its way toward Iōzan Shrine.

At the main festival, mochi throwing follows the Shinto rites, while a kayō show, food stall village, and street stalls bring the venue to life.

There are also hands-on activities such as the Sengoku Olympics, offering a chance to enjoy traditional events alongside a variety of programs.

Early summer in Kaminokuni, illuminated by torchlight and traditional Shinto rites

What to expect

The festival spans 2 days: the Yoimiya Festival and the main festival.

During the Yoimiya Festival, a torch procession proceeds along a mountain path, leading to the grand festival at Iōzan Shrine.

The main festival features Shinto rites, kagura performed by children, mochi throwing, a kayō contest, and a kayō show.

Visitors can also enjoy a food stall village, street stalls, a Self-Defense Forces PR booth, and the Sengoku Olympics.

Source: 夷王山まつり開催のお知らせ | 上ノ国町観光協会 / かみのくにトピックス【伝統の舞と歌声で賑わう！夷王山まつり開催】 | 北海道上ノ国町

How to take part

General visitors can enjoy watching the Shinto rites, torch procession, kayō show, and food stall village.

Information is available indicating that visitors can also join in the mochi throwing at the main festival.

The Sengoku Olympics includes hands-on activities such as chanbara (mock sword fighting); children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The torch procession is described as being carried out by local children, and no separate participation requirements for joining the procession are provided.

If you are mainly attending as a spectator, go to the venue for the events you wish to see, such as the torch procession during the Yoimiya Festival, the grand festival, kayō show, or food stall village during the main festival.

If you wish to take part in the Sengoku Olympics, registration is at the Kaminokuni Town General Welfare Center, and registration is scheduled to open at 9:30 a.m.

Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location and access

Venue and address

Kaminokuni Town Sports Center (100 Ōdome, Kaminokuni, Hiyama District, Hokkaido), Iōzan Shrine.

The torch procession sets off from Kaminokuni Hachiman Shrine, passes the Katsuyamadate Guidance Facility, and heads to Iōzan Shrine.

Train and bus

Take a bus from JR Kikonai Station to Ōdome, transfer at Kaminokuni Station, then walk about 20 minutes after getting off at Kaminokuni.

By car

About 90 minutes from JR Hakodate Station and about 1 hour 30 minutes from central Hakodate.

Parking

Free parking is available.

The stated parking capacity is 200 vehicles.

Source: 夷王山まつり（北海道／上ノ国町）｜開催期間・アクセス｜るるぶ&more.

Address 100 Ōdome, Kaminokuni, Hiyama District, Hokkaido (Kaminokuni Town Sports Center)

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Dates and season

2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, it was held on June 20 (Saturday) and 21 (Sunday).

June 20 was the day of the Yoimiya Festival and torch procession, while June 21 was scheduled for the grand festival at Iōzan Shrine, mochi throwing, and the kayō festival.

It is usually held on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of June.

The torch procession, venue, or program may change depending on the weather.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The torch procession follows mountain roads at dusk, so comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended.

Depending on the weather, the torch procession may be canceled, the venue for the grand annual festival may change, or event details may be altered.

Notices say that the food stalls and street vendors will close once their products sell out.

In 2026, the venue was changed to Kaminokuni Town Sports Center, so check the venue for each event before heading there.

Nearby attractions

For nearby sightseeing, the Michi-no-Eki Kaminokuni Monju roadside station in Kaminokuni Town is recommended.

Nearby attractions include Gokatteya Honpo, Esashi Inishie Kaido, Kamome Island, and the Former Nakamura Residence.

When choosing places to visit alongside the festival, please check each facility’s location and operating status.

Origins and History of Iōzan Festival

The Iōzan Festival is based on the rites of Kaminokuni Hachiman Shrine.

The tradition is to hold the main festival on Sunday and the Yoimiya Festival on the preceding evening.

The torch procession at the Yoimiya Festival is introduced as the event that signals the opening of the Iōzan Shrine Grand Festival.

At the main festival, community activities follow the Shinto rites, creating a setting for traditional events and interaction among town residents.

Official information

The Kaminokuni Town Tourism Association shares event information, venue changes, and times for each activity.

The official Kaminokuni Town website also features coverage of the festival after it takes place, as well as information about kagura, the kayō contest, and the kayō festival.

For information on event dates and weather-related changes, check announcements from the Kaminokuni Town Tourism Association and Kaminokuni Town.

Iōzan Festival at a Glance

The Iōzan Festival is an early-summer event featuring a torch procession from Kaminokuni Hachiman Shrine to Iōzan Shrine and a main festival centered on Shinto rites.

There are also a kayō show, food stall village, mochi throwing, and the Sengoku Olympics, offering a chance to enjoy traditional events and a wide range of community activities.

In 2026, the festival was held on June 20 and 21, and part of the venue was changed to the Kaminokuni Town Sports Center.