A summer festival of floating lanterns and fireworks on the Kiso River
Kasamatsu River Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year on August 15 / Every year
- Area
- Gifu Prefecture・Kasamatsu(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h–2 h 30 min · 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
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This summer festival in Kasamatsu has been held on the banks of the Kiso River, featuring floating lanterns, fireworks, and performances by the Kasamatsu Seiryu drummers.
About Kasamatsu River Festival
Kasamatsu River Festival is a summer festival that has been held on the banks of the Kiso River in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture.
It originated as the annual festival of Suitengu Shrine, which was held in Kamitsutsumicho, Shimotsutsumicho, and Yanagiharacho.
Floating lanterns and fireworks were added in the Meiji era, and the event has been passed down as a tradition connected to the local riverside.
It is currently organized by the Kasamatsu Town Development Events Executive Committee.
Source: 笠松川まつり - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
Highlights include fireworks illuminating the night sky over the Kiso River and lanterns floating along its surface.
Fireworks are launched from several fireworks barges and other platforms, creating riverside scenery alongside the floating lanterns.
Performances by the Kasamatsu Seiryu Taiko drummers are also held on stage, offering a taste of local culture beyond the fireworks.
The fireworks program and scale may vary from one festival to another.
Source: 笠松川まつり - 花火／大型イベント/観客動員数千人～/羽島郡笠松町 - イベント情報 - ギフコミ！
A summer festival of floating lanterns and fireworks on the Kiso River
What to expect
At the festival, visitors enjoy stage events and watch fireworks launched from the banks of the Kiso River.
As the fireworks progress, lanterns are set afloat on the river, creating time to take in the riverside scenery.
The program also includes performances by groups such as the Kasamatsu Seiryu Taiko drummers, offering a chance to experience local performing arts.
The specific order and content may vary from one festival to another.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kasamatsu Minato Park on the banks of the Kiso River in Kasamatsu.
- Train and bus
The nearest stations are Kasamatsu Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line and Nishi-Kasamatsu Station on the Meitetsu Takehana Line.
- By car
Roads and parking areas around the venue are expected to be crowded. Follow local directions when using them.
- Parking
There are not many parking spaces in the area, so consider using public transportation.
Event venue 岐阜県笠松町 笠松町木曽川河畔の笠松みなと公園
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
Every year on August 15
- Frequency
Every year
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 Gifu Prefecture / Kasamatsu (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The venue is on the banks of the Kiso River, so please be mindful of your safety and those around you at riverside viewing spots.
Large crowds may gather during the fireworks, and it may take time to get around or leave the venue.
There are not many parking lots nearby, so if you plan to come by car, check parking options in advance.
The 2026 event dates and program details should be confirmed in the announcements once they have been decided.
Nearby attractions
笠松町歴史未来館
岐阜県笠松町にある博物館
Origins and History of Kasamatsu River Festival
Kasamatsu River Festival originated as the annual festival of Suitengu Shrine, held in Kamitsutsumicho, Shimotsutsumicho, and Yanagiharacho along the Kiso River.
Floating lanterns and fireworks were added in the Meiji era, and later the Kasamatsu Shopping Street took over as the organizer.
In the early 1990s, the shopping street declined amid the influence of large suburban stores, and cancellation was considered for a time. The festival continued under the organization of a committee in Kasamatsu.
It was canceled each year from 2020 through 2024.
Kasamatsu River Festival at a Glance
Kasamatsu River Festival is a riverside festival in Kasamatsu, originating in the annual festival of Suitengu Shrine. It features floating lanterns, fireworks, and performances by the Kasamatsu Seiryu Taiko drummers.
The venue is Kasamatsu Minato Park on the banks of the Kiso River, accessible from Kasamatsu Station and Nishi-Kasamatsu Station.
例年は8月15日でした。
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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