Ichijima Kawasuso Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include the Manto Nagashi lantern-floating ceremony, with lights set afloat on the Takeda River, and the fireworks display that brightens the night sky.

About 500 fireworks are launched, and the program is also described as featuring a set piece called “Niagara Falls” and a laser show.

From daytime into the evening, stage events and food stalls line the venue, and visitors can enjoy dance, music, and traditional performing arts presented by local groups.

A major feature of the festival is being able to watch the lights on the river and the fireworks in succession.

Ichijima’s summer festival, where lights on the Takeda River meet fireworks in the night sky

What to expect

The festival is described as beginning during the day with stage events and food stalls, then moving into the Manto Nagashi lantern-floating ceremony and fireworks display from dusk into the evening.

During the Manto Nagashi ceremony, lantern lights drift slowly across the surface of the Takeda River.

At the fireworks display, set fireworks and other pyrotechnics are launched against the riverside scenery.

Visitors can also enjoy food at the yatai and shops selling local specialties at the venue.

How to take part

General visitors can come and watch the festival.

The lantern-floating event is described as one where participants can float their own lanterns.

The stage provides a platform for local performers, from children to adults, while information is not provided on whether general visitors can perform.

Location and access

Address

Tamba City

Host municipality 兵庫県丹波市

This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.

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Dates and season

2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the festival was held on July 26 (Sunday), with event hours listed as 14:30 to 21:30.

The fireworks were scheduled to run for about 30 minutes from 20:00.

It is usually held in late July, and in past years it has often taken place around July 29.

Source: 第42回 いちじま川裾まつり 花火大会｜丹波市の花火大会 2026年の開催・次回の日程 | のびば

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Tips for your visit

According to the 2026 information, the event goes ahead in rain but is canceled in severe weather that prompts official warnings.

The fireworks and Manto Nagashi take place at night, so allowing plenty of time for your visit makes it easier to follow the festival’s program.

If traveling by car, note that the number of spaces at the temporary parking lot is limited.

Check the weather and conditions around the venue on the day for updates on whether the event will go ahead and on traffic conditions.

Nearby attractions

Around the festival venue is a small town centered on Ichijima Station, with local shops and restaurants dotted throughout.

The riverbank along the Takeda River is described as a quiet walking route outside the festival period.

Tamba City is known for local specialties such as Tamba black soybeans, Tamba chestnuts, and mountain yams, offering a chance to explore the region’s food and products.

The city also has other Kawasuso festivals held around the same time, including the Ganso Kawasuso Festival.

Origins and History of Ichijima Kawasuso Festival

Few written records provide details about the exact founding year or origins of the Ichijima Kawasuso Festival, so much of what is known is said to be based on oral tradition.

A folk belief that the blessings of the Takeda River should be honored, and that summer illnesses and misfortune such as women’s diseases can be washed away and cleansed in the river, is described as the festival’s origin.

The Kawasuso Festival is also thought to be connected with the Oharai purification rite held at the end of the 6th month of the lunar calendar.

In Ichijima Town, it has traditionally been customary to set up an altar on a bridge and cover its roof and walls with thatch.

Official information

The Tamba City Tourism Association’s information provides the latest updates on dates, venue, and whether the event will go ahead.

The 2026 event page lists the Tamba City Tourism Association’s event information as its source.

Ichijima Kawasuso Festival at a Glance

The Ichijima Kawasuso Festival is a summer festival in Ichijima Town, Tamba City, where visitors can enjoy Manto Nagashi and fireworks around the Takeda River.

As an event connected with beliefs about washing misfortune away in river water and cleansing oneself, it offers a glimpse into the region’s history and everyday life.

In 2026, it was held on July 26, with daytime stage events and food stalls leading into evening lanterns and fireworks.

Venue information differs between sources, so check the latest official information before visiting.