Iwafune Grand Festival

Festival highlights

A highlight is watching the 9 brilliantly decorated dashi process through the town of Iwafune.

A distinctive feature of the festival procession is that Ofune-sama, rather than a mikoshi, leads the way.

Late on the night of October 19, the climax comes as young men carry Ofune-sama up Mount Myojin, led by the lead drum.

Each dashi has different figures and rear decorations, so you can also look out for their distinctive designs.

Source: 岩船大祭の由来と見どころ - 村上市公式ウェブサイト

An autumn grand festival featuring 9 dashi and Ofune-sama processing through a port town

What to expect

The festival consists of an eve festival and the main festival, with dashi processing through the town from Iwafune Shrine.

Ofune-sama is placed on the dashi from Kishimideramachi and leads the festival procession after a spirit-transferral ceremony is held at the shrine.

At the Second Otabi on October 19, prayers are offered for safety at sea, a bountiful catch, prosperous business, and abundant harvests.

At night, a ritual is held in which Ofune-sama climbs Mount Myojin.

Source: 岩船大祭 - Wikipedia

How to take part

Visitors can enjoy Iwafune Shrine and the Ofune dashi and mikoshi that process through the Iwafune area.

For safety around the procession, please follow the instructions of staff and guides.

Source: 岩船大祭 | 村上市観光協会 -鮭・酒・人情 むらかみ- / 岩船大祭 - 村上市公式ウェブサイト

Location and access

Venue and address

Throughout the Iwafune district.

Starting from Ishifune Shrine, mikoshi, festival boats, and dashi parade through the neighborhood.

The address is Iwafune district, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture.

Train and bus

About 20 minutes by car from Murakami Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line.

On October 19, 2026, some sections of Murakami City’s community bus route, “Abekko,” will be changed.

By car

About 9 minutes from Murakami Senami Onsen IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway.

On October 19, traffic restrictions apply to large vehicles and others in the Iwafune district. Regular cars should follow directions from staff and signs.

Parking

Parking is available for regular cars.

In 2026, a temporary parking lot next to Iwafune Port Green Space Park will be open from October 18 through the 20th.

Source: 岩船大祭｜新潟のイベント｜【公式】新潟県のおすすめ観光・旅行情報！にいがた観光ナビ

Address Iwafune area, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026年の開催案内（掲載日程は終了しています）

In 2026, October 18 (Sunday) is the eve festival, and October 19 (Monday) is the main festival.

In the afternoon of the eve festival, each neighborhood’s yatai are pulled through the streets, and the eve-of-festival ceremonies are held at Ishifune Shrine from 7 p.m.

The main festival begins with the departure of the lead taiko drum at midnight, followed by a procession of yatai and the mikoshi from 8:30 a.m.

The Tomoyama event takes place late at night.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

On October 19, 2026, the road from in front of Ishifune Shrine to the intersection in front of Benten Bridge may be closed to through traffic at certain times for the mikoshi procession and dashi parade.

Traffic restrictions for large vehicles and others are in effect in the Iwafune district. Regular cars must also follow directions from staff, traffic guides, and signs.

To ensure the safety of pedestrians and spectators around the procession, flying drones and other aircraft is prohibited.

Nearby attractions

Attractions around the area where the Iwafune Grand Festival is held include Iwafune Shrine, Iwafune Port Direct Sales Shop, Shōjōji Temple, Shōjōji Park, and Iwafune Port Fish Market.

You can plan an itinerary that visits temples, shrines, and port-related facilities in the Iwafune area alongside the port town’s festival.

Before your visit, check each facility’s information for current opening status and conditions of use.

Museums and art museumsMurakami City

イヨボヤ会館

新潟県村上市の博物館

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写真：Rebirth10 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Museums and art museumsMurakami City

縄文の里・朝日　奥三面歴史交流館

新潟県村上市の博物館・美術館のスポットです。

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Iwafune Grand Festival

The origins of the Iwafune Grand Festival are unclear, but records in medieval documents attest to it, and it is considered a traditional event with a history of more than 500 years.

The festival was originally held on the lunar calendar’s September 19, but it is said to have been changed to October 19 after the date coincided with Emperor Meiji’s progress through the area in 1878.

In 1988, the Shagiri procession and the Tomoyama event were designated Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Niigata Prefecture.

It is also explained that northern and western festival cultures are brought together in the dashi.

Official information

The Murakami City Tourism Association has published the 2026 festival information, including the dates, venue area, transportation, parking, and contact details.

The Murakami City official website provides detailed information about the origins of the Iwafune Grand Festival, Ofune-sama, and highlights of the festival procession.

For festival information, the Murakami City Tourism Association’s event page and the official Iwafune Grand Festival website are listed as references.

Iwafune Grand Festival at a Glance

The Iwafune Grand Festival is the annual autumn grand festival of Iwafune Shrine in the Iwafune area of Murakami City.

The tradition continues of 9 dashi processing through the town, with Ofune-sama leading the festival procession in a distinctive arrangement.

In 2026, October 18 is the eve festival, and the main festival is on the 19th.

Across the Iwafune area around Iwafune Shrine, you can experience the faith and culture of a port town.