A night of wishes for the full moon, a giant rope kept alive by the community, and a test of strength
Jugoya-san Giant Tug-of-War
The 2026 edition of Jugoya-san Giant Tug-of-War has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/25Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year on day 15 of lunar month 8 / Every year
- Location
- Grounds of Ise Amaterashimasu Shrine (commonly known as Oishi Shrine)
- Area
- Fukuoka Prefecture・Kurume City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 10 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 fee
- Free
- Age restrictions
- Children’s and adults’ divisions
- Last updated
- 2026/11/11
A local autumn festival in Oishimachi, Kurume, passed down since day 15 of lunar month 8. Highlights include the large and small ropes making their way through the neighborhood and a giant tug-of-war between districts and generations.
About Jugoya-san Giant Tug-of-War
Jugoya-san Giant Tug-of-War is a local autumn festival held every year on day 15 of lunar month 8 in Oishimachi, Kurume.
The event is held to pray for abundant harvests and good health, and is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kurume City.
The large rope has a round loop at one end and splits into two at the other. It is said to represent a great serpent, and the event is also said to be intended to calm the Chikugo River.
Festival highlights
Highlights include the large and small ropes making their way through the neighborhood and the tug-of-war held in the .
After carrying and tugging the small rope, children and adults each take part in a stone-lifting contest.
In the final giant tug-of-war, districts compete, and children face adults in a contest called “Gengobe” (Genji versus Heike). The large rope’s distinctive shape is another feature.
A night of wishes for the full moon, a giant rope kept alive by the community, and a test of strength
What to expect
According to the 2026 information, the and opening ceremony begin at 5:10 p.m., and the small rope makes its way through the neighborhood at 6 p.m.
The large rope procession through the neighborhood begins at around 7:10 p.m., followed by carrying and tugging the small rope at around 7:20 p.m. The children’s and adults’ stone-lifting contests follow at around 7:40 p.m. and 8:20 p.m.
The tug-of-war between districts and between children and adults is scheduled to begin at around 8:40 p.m.
How to take part
参加費：無料
対象年齢：子どもの部門・大人の部門あり
Location and access
- Venue and address
Grounds of Ise Amaterashimasu Shrine (commonly known as Oishi Shrine) / 132 Oishimachi, Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Train and bus
About a 12-minute walk from JR Kurume Station
- Parking
None in 2026
Address 132 Oishimachi, Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
September 25, 2026 (Friday), 5:10–9 p.m.
The schedule is as follows: shinji and opening ceremony at 5:10 p.m.; the small-rope district’s procession through the neighborhood at 6 p.m.; the large-rope district’s procession at around 7:10 p.m.; carrying and tugging the small rope at around 7:20 p.m.; the children’s stone-lifting contest at around 7:40 p.m.; the adults’ stone-lifting contest at around 8:20 p.m.; and the giant tug-of-war at around 8:40 p.m.
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 Fukuoka Prefecture / Kurume City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
According to the 2026 information, no parking is available.
The event goes ahead in light rain, but is generally canceled in rainy weather. Organizers may delay the start time or take other measures, and say they will do their best to hold it.
As arrangements may change in case of rain, check for updates based on the weather.
Nearby attractions
Nearby sightseeing spots include Amaterashimasu Shrine (Oishi Shrine), Toraya Japanese Confectionery, and the birthplace of Sh繁二郎 Sakamoto.
Nearby places to eat include Raifukuken, Toraya Japanese Confectionery, and Tanaka Unagiya.
You can check out facilities and shops near the venue as possible places to visit alongside the festival.
久留米市美術館
福岡県久留米市にある美術館
水天宮
福岡県久留米市にある神社
高良大社
福岡県久留米市の高良山にある神社
Origins and History of Jugoya-san Giant Tug-of-War
The exact origins and starting date are unknown, but it is said that about 400 years ago, around the beginning of the Edo period, pulled ropes on the night of the full moon.
The event was suspended during the war in Showa 12 (1937) and revived in Showa 52.
After its revival, the event was held in the grounds of Ise Amaterashimasu Shrine. It was once also held in Washikiri and Yasutake, but today it is passed down in Oishimachi.
Official information
2026年の案内では、問い合わせ先は満月会保存会事務局（TEL：0942-34-7296）です。
Information is provided on the venue, event hours, admission, access, and arrangements in case of rain.
Jugoya-san Giant Tug-of-War at a Glance
Jugoya-san Giant Tug-of-War is a Kurume autumn festival held on day 15 of lunar month 8 to pray for abundant harvests and good health.
The small and large ropes are carried through the neighborhood, people take part in stone-lifting contests, and there are tug-of-wars between districts and between children and adults.
The festival has been passed down for about 400 years and is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kurume City.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/11
