Giving thanks for the blessings of the hot springs, autumn in Ibusuki comes alive with dance, mikoshi, and fireworks
Ibusuki Onsen Festival
The 2026 edition of Ibusuki Onsen Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/26 〜 2026/09/27Ended
- Season / frequency
- The last Sunday of September and the preceding day, in most years
- Location
- Central Park Ibusuki and its surroundings, and the area around Ibusuki Station
- Area
- Kagoshima Prefecture・Ibusuki City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 20 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free admission
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Ibusuki Onsen Festival gives thanks for the blessings of the hot springs that flow in Ibusuki and expresses hopes for the development of the region. The Hanya Dance, drumming, procession, and fireworks unfold across Ibusuki’s downtown and hot spring areas.
About Ibusuki Onsen Festival
Ibusuki Onsen Festival is a local festival held to give thanks for the blessings of the abundant hot springs in Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Centered around Ibusuki Onsen, the festival features dance, taiko, mikoshi , fireworks, and more.
It began with the aims of expressing gratitude for the hot springs and praying for the development of tourism and industry, and continues to showcase the region’s attractions in the city center.
This festival brings together the blessings of nature unique to Ibusuki, a hot-spring town, and the activities of local residents.
Festival highlights
Highlights include the Ibusuki Hanya Dance on the first day and the mikoshi procession on the second day.
During the Hanya Dance, dance groups parade around the station area, and a dance group contest is also held.
During the mikoshi procession, the mikoshi advances to the accompaniment of shinobue flutes and taiko drums, along with calls from the participants.
About 5,000 fireworks are launched in the evening, and large fireworks, including 2-shaku shells, bring the festival to a close.
Source: 第79回 指宿温泉祭 - イベントカレンダー / 第79回 指宿温泉祭 | コヨミチ
Giving thanks for the blessings of the hot springs, autumn in Ibusuki comes alive with dance, mikoshi, and fireworks
What to expect
The festival runs for 2 days, with the first day focused on the Hanya Dance and stage events.
On the second day, events include the Yu-gongen Festival Ceremony, a mikoshi procession, and a community stage, followed by the fireworks display in the evening.
In 2026, dance groups paraded around Ibusuki Station on September 26, and fireworks were launched after the mikoshi procession on the 27th.
Since the main events vary by day, you can choose your visit date to match the events you want to see.
Source: 第79回指宿温泉祭 - 人事秘書課
How to take part
General visitors can watch the dancing, mikoshi togyo, fireworks, and more.
According to the 2026 information, groups were available for the Hanya dance not only for workplace, community, and hobby groups, but also for small groups or even 1 person.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.
If you plan to join the dancing, it is a good idea to check the registration process and meeting place for the day in advance.
In 2026, dance groups were available for the Hanya dance, including workplace, community, and hobby groups, as well as groups that could be joined by a small number of people or even just 1 person.
A dance-group contest is also held, giving participants the opportunity to perform dances as a group.
No reservation is required if you only plan to watch.
If you wish to participate in the dancing, check the day’s information for the meeting time and registration details.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Central Park and the surrounding area.
The fireworks can be viewed at Central Park.
The address is 2-5-33 Minato, Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture (Central Park Ibusuki), among other locations.
- Train and bus
It is about a 5-minute walk from JR Ibusuki Station to Central Park Ibusuki.
2026年は16:00～21:30に、指宿市役所駐車場から祭会場近くまで無料シャトルバスが臨時運行されました。
- By car
Use the free parking lots at Ibusuki City Hall or Tanba Elementary School.
Parking is not available at Taheiji Park or around Ibusuki Port.
- Parking
A total of 300 free parking spaces were provided at Ibusuki City Hall and Tanba Elementary School.
Address 2-5-33 Minato, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture (Central Park Ibusuki), and other locations
Dates and season
2026 Event Details (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the festival was held from September 26 (Saturday) to September 27 (Sunday).
26日は15:30～21:00、27日は12:00～21:00で、花火大会は27日19:30から行われました。
The announcement said that in the event of severe weather, only the fireworks display would be postponed until the following day.
According to the 2026 event details, the Hanya Dance was scheduled for the 26th, and the mikoshi procession and fireworks for the 27th.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Kagoshima Prefecture / Ibusuki City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Those wishing to watch the fireworks are advised to view them from the festival venue at Central Park.
Taiheiji Park is off-limits and is not designated as a place to watch the fireworks.
If arriving by car, use the designated parking lots at City Hall or Tanba Elementary School, and take the shuttle bus if needed.
Since only the fireworks may be postponed until the following day in the event of severe weather, check the event details before your visit.
Nearby attractions
The area around the festival venue includes JR Ibusuki Station and Ibusuki Port.
For visitors combining the festival with a visit to Ibusuki Onsen, nearby attractions also include Saraku Sand Bath Hall, a natural sand-bath hot spring facility, as well as the Satsuma Denshokan Museum and Iwasaki Museum of Art.
Check each facility’s information to see whether it is possible to walk between the festival venue and these facilities, and to confirm their opening status and conditions of use.
Source: Ibusuki Onsen Festival | Events | DISCOVER KAGOSHIMA｜Official Travel Guide
岩崎美術館
鹿児島県指宿市にある美術館
揖宿神社
鹿児島県指宿市東方にある神社
薩摩伝承館
鹿児島県指宿市にある美術館
Origins and History of Ibusuki Onsen Festival
The Ibusuki Onsen Festival began in 1948, shortly after the end of the war.
In Ibusuki, where there had been no events related to the hot springs, efforts to organize a festival began with the aim of promoting the area’s development as a tourist destination and publicizing its hot springs. It was held as the tourism association’s first event.
It was once called the “Ebisu Onsen Festival.” The timing has shifted over the years, including early October, late August, and late October, before returning to an autumn schedule in 2009.
Source: 指宿温泉祭 - Wikipedia
Official information
You can check the event calendar on the Ibusuki City website for the event details.
For inquiries, contact the Ibusuki Onsen Festival Executive Committee Office at 0993-22-5550.
祭りの公式サイトとして「www.onsenmaturi.com」が案内されています。
Ibusuki Onsen Festival at a Glance
The Ibusuki Onsen Festival is a festival in Ibusuki City centered on giving thanks for the blessings of the hot springs, with dancing, taiko drumming, mikoshi, and fireworks.
In 2026, it was held on September 26 and the 27th at Central Park Ibusuki and around Ibusuki Station.
The 26th is the main day for watching the dance, while the 27th is the main day for enjoying the mikoshi procession and fireworks.
The venue is about a 5-minute walk from JR Ibusuki Station, and designated parking lots and free shuttle buses were provided.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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