A summer festival where people dance through the streets to Suzaka Kouta
Kattakata Festival
The 2026 edition of Kattakata Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/07/18Ended
- Season / frequency
- The 3rd Saturday of July every year / Once a year
- Location
- Around Suehirocho, Suzaka City
- Area
- Nagano Prefecture・Suzaka City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 20 min–1 h 50 min · bullet 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.
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This summer festival in Suzaka City takes its name from the “kattakata” sound that recalls the city’s silk-reeling industry. A dance festival set to “Suzaka Kouta,” a marching band parade, and a dragon bring the streets to life.
About Kattakata Festival
The Kattakata Festival is one of the signature summer festivals of Suzaka City.
Its name comes from the sound of machinery winding thread in the silk-reeling industry, and it carries Suzaka’s history and culture of craftsmanship into the present.
In the streets, residents and participating groups dance to “Suzaka Kouta,” and there is also a parade and a dragon mikoshi.
This festival lets both spectators and dancers enjoy a summer tradition unique to Suzaka.
Source: 7/18 第49回 須坂カッタカタまつり | 信州須坂観光協会
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the “Dance Festival,” where dance groups move through the streets to the music of “Suzaka Kouta.”
A fire brigade band parade and an impressive dragon mikoshi also bring the festival to life.
In 2026, the dancing began after the opening ceremony, and time was set aside for the dragon mikoshi during the festival.
Event information also mentions and a market, offering activities beyond the dancing.
A summer festival where people dance through the streets to Suzaka Kouta
What to expect
The festival begins with a fire brigade band parade and an opening ceremony, followed by the “Dance Festival.”
Participants dance through the streets to “Suzaka Kouta,” and visitors can also join in spontaneously.
A dragon mikoshi appears during the festival, followed by a cleanup of the entire venue toward the end.
You can also enjoy the festival by watching the parade and dragon mikoshi without joining the dancing.
How to take part
Open to general participation.
The dance festival includes dances that you can join on the spot, so even first-time visitors can join the circle.
Citizens and participating groups dance through the streets, but you can also enjoy the event just by watching.
If you would like to take part, please follow the venue guidance and event schedule on the day.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Around Suehirocho, Suzaka City.
- By car
Traffic restrictions are planned around the traffic light at Suehirocho on the day of the event.
The city hall’s free parking lot is available.
- Parking
Please use Suzaka City Hall’s free parking lot.
Address Around Suehirocho, Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)
In 2026, the festival was held on July 18 (Saturday), with the event information listing the festival hours as 4:35 p.m. to around 6:45 p.m.
The planned program is, in order: a fire brigade band parade, opening ceremony, dance festival, dragon mikoshi, and cleanup for the entire venue.
It is usually held on the 3rd Saturday of July.
The 2026 event has concluded.
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 Nagano Prefecture / Suzaka City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The 2026 event information urges visitors to take precautions against heatstroke.
If traveling by car, use the city hall’s free parking lot and take note of the traffic restrictions around Suehirocho.
The dance festival and parade take place in the streets, so please follow staff instructions and local guidance.
A cleanup for the entire venue is also planned, and visitors are asked to help keep the surrounding area clean.
Nearby attractions
須坂市動物園
長野県須坂市にある動物園
Origins and History of Kattakata Festival
The Kattakata Festival began with a folk-song parade held on Sakuragicho Street, which was closed to traffic, in July 1972.
It began in 1978 as the “Suzaka Festival” and has been held in a form connected with its current name since 1998.
The festival’s name comes from “kattakata,” a rhythmic chant featured in “Suzaka Kouta.”
The festival has been passed down as a celebration that connects the local culture of Suzaka, which flourished through the silk-reeling industry, with songs and dances.
Source: カッタカタまつり - Wikipedia
Official information
Event information and details about the day’s program can be found on the organizer’s website, listed on the official Suzaka City website.
For festival inquiries, contact the Suzaka Kattakata Festival Executive Committee (within the Suzaka City Industrial Policy Division).
Kattakata Festival at a Glance
The Kattakata Festival is one of Suzaka’s signature summer dance festivals, rooted in the city’s silk-reeling history.
Alongside an event where people dance through the streets to “Suzaka Kouta,” the festival also features a marching band parade and a dragon mikoshi.
Visitors are invited to join in the dancing, and can also enjoy the festival as spectators.
This festival offers a chance to experience Suzaka’s songs and dances; take care around the heat and traffic restrictions.
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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