A Bon-season event in Ohito, entrusting prayers to a torch-bearing raft set afloat on the Kano River
Kawakannjo
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- At dusk every year on August 1 / Every year
- Location
- Kano River, Kamishima Bridge riverbank
- Area
- Shizuoka Prefecture・Izunokuni City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h–1 h 30 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.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Required number of participants
- About 10 people (young men who steer the raft)
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Kawakannjo is a traditional event held in the Ohito district of Izunokuni City. A torch is set upright on a raft made of bamboo and wheat straw, which is floated down the Kano River to the sound of chants.
About Kawakannjo
Kawakannjo is a traditional event held every year at dusk on August 1 in the Ohito district of Izunokuni City.
It is considered a Bon-season event in which people pray to calm the spirit of the Kano River, protect the village from flooding, and commemorate those who have drowned.
The event has been passed down in a distinctive form: a large raft made of a bamboo frame and wheat straw is fitted with a torch and set afloat on the river.
It is an event tied to the Kano River, expressing prayers for the community’s safety and for the repose of the dead.
Source: かわかんじょう | 伊豆の国市観光協会
Festival highlights
Highlights include making a raft about 1 m thick by covering a bamboo frame measuring about 3 m on each side with wheat straw, and the 5–6 m-long torch placed upright in its center.
The raft is carried to a spot near the area below Kamimasamashi Shrine, set alight, and floated down the river.
About 10 young men steer the raft downstream until the torch burns out, accompanied by the chant “U, u, uwahai.”
The call-and-response with the children on the bridge is another distinctive feature of the event.
A Bon-season event in Ohito, entrusting prayers to a torch-bearing raft set afloat on the Kano River
What to expect
For the event, a raft made of bamboo and wheat straw is prepared, with a long torch set upright in the center.
The completed raft is carried to a spot near the area below Kamimasamashi Shrine on the Kano River. Its torch is lit, and about 10 young men steer it as it is set afloat.
Children on Kamishima Bridge respond to the chants, and the raft proceeds downstream from the bridge amid shouts.
The event involves watching the raft drift until the torch burns out.
How to take part
The event centers on about 10 young men steering the raft and children on Kamishima Bridge responding to the accompanying chants.
Information has not been provided on whether general visitors can take part in making or steering the raft.
If you wish to watch, bear in mind that this is an event involving fire and water by the river, and watch from a safe place.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Riverbank by Kamishima Bridge on the Kano River (Ohito district, Izunokuni City).
Event venue 静岡県伊豆の国市 狩野川神島橋 河川敷
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
At dusk every year on August 1
- 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 Shizuoka Prefecture / Izunokuni City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The event takes place on a riverbank and involves setting a raft bearing a torch afloat on the river.
When watching, pay attention to your surroundings on the riverbank or bridge, and watch from a place that does not interfere with the event.
As fire is used, keep away from the torch and raft. If you are with children, make sure to keep them in sight.
Nearby attractions
伊豆の国歴史館
静岡県伊豆の国市にある郷土資料館
韮山反射炉
日本の静岡県伊豆の国市にある反射炉跡
Origins and History of Kawakannjo
Kawakannjo is a traditional event associated with the Kano River’s reputation as a turbulent river.
It is held as a Bon-season event in which people pray to calm the spirit of the river, protect the village from flooding, and commemorate those who have drowned.
The distinctive practice of setting a raft made of a bamboo frame, wheat straw, and a torch afloat on the river represents the community’s prayers.
The year it began and its historical development have not been established.
Official information
Information about the event is posted by the Izunokuni City Tourism Association.
The listed contact number for the Izunokuni City Tourism Association is 055-948-0304.
The event is held on the riverbank by Kamishima Bridge on the Kano River, and is scheduled for August 1.
Kawakannjo at a Glance
Kawakannjo is a traditional event held every year at dusk on August 1 in the Ohito district of Izunokuni City.
A long torch is set upright on a raft made of bamboo and wheat straw, which young men steer as they float it down the Kano River.
It embodies prayers to calm the spirit of the river, protect the village from flooding, and commemorate those who have drowned.
A Bon-season event rooted in the community, with fire and chants bringing the riverbank to life.
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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