The Taisho Maru depicts rough seas as it pursues a whale: a valiant festival passed down in Isozu
Isozu Whale Boat Event
The 2026 edition of Isozu Whale Boat Event has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/19 〜 2026/09/20Ended
- Season / frequency
- Shiozaki Shrine festival every September / Every year
- Location
- Shiozaki Shrine and the surrounding area of Isozu-cho
- Area
- Mie Prefecture・Yokkaichi City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train + connecting train)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.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Required number of participants
- At least 40 people are needed to move the boat.
- Last updated
- 2026/11/11
A land-based mock whaling event passed down at Shiozaki Shrine in Isozu-cho, Yokkaichi City. The Taisho Maru rocks dramatically as it battles a papier-mâché whale, while dancers and the sound of bring color to the local festival.
About Isozu Whale Boat Event
The Isozu Whale Boat Event is a land-based mock whaling event featured in the festival at Shiozaki Shrine, the ujigami shrine of Isozu-cho, Yokkaichi City.
The performance centers on a battle between a papier-mâché whale and a whale boat, which is called the “Taisho Maru.”
Designated an intangible folk cultural property by the city, the event is passed down locally through machineri and the procession to the shrine.
Festival highlights
Highlights include the whale boat’s battle as it pursues a papier-mâché whale, and the boat’s dramatic rocking to portray rough seas.
The Taisho Maru is decorated with golden dragon designs and shachihoko ornaments, while its gold-leaf carvings and vermilion lacquer are also striking.
Dancers perform aboard the boat, and after a staged battle with the person playing the whale, they enact catching it with a harpoon.
The Taisho Maru depicts rough seas as it pursues a whale: a valiant festival passed down in Isozu
What to expect
The festival includes a procession of boats through Isozu, known as machineri, and a procession toward Shiozaki Shrine, known as nerikomi.
During the performance, the boat is moved to the beat of taiko and calls of “Eijaa, eijaa,” while dancers perform and the boat acts out a battle with the whale.
The performance ends with a scene of catching the whale with a harpoon, and in recent years children have also taken part as dancers and in other roles.
How to take part
必要人数：船を動かすには少なくとも40人
Location and access
- Venue and address
Shiozaki Shrine and the surrounding area of Isozu-cho (Oaza Shiohama, Yokkaichi City)
Address Oaza Shiohama, Yokkaichi City
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, it was held on September 19 and 20.
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 Mie Prefecture / Yokkaichi City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
四日市市立博物館
三重県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
澄懐堂美術館
三重県四日市市にある美術館
鳥出神社
三重県四日市市富田にある神社
Origins and History of Isozu Whale Boat Event
The whale boat is said to have been introduced to Isozu-cho during the Taisho era. According to local accounts, it was named “Taisho Maru” because the community acquired a boat from the former Higashibukuro-cho and learned the performance with it.
After being temporarily discontinued following the war, the event was revived by a preservation society in Showa 62. It has been suspended since Heisei 14, but in Reiwa 4, September 24 it was held for the first time in 21 years.
It was designated a city intangible folk cultural property in Heisei 7, June 30.
Official information
Yokkaichi City Hall, “Isozu Whale Boat Event”
Isozu Whale Boat Event at a Glance
The Isozu Whale Boat Event is a local traditional event in which the Taisho Maru, appearing in the festival at Shiozaki Shrine, stages a battle with a papier-mâché whale.
Highlights include the boat rocking like it is on rough seas, the taiko and calls, the dancers’ performance, and the scene of catching the whale.
Since its introduction in the Taisho era, the event has been passed down by the preservation society and local participants through a period of suspension and revival.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/11
