Kitami Fuji Shrine Grand Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlights are the special ritual Matsumae Tojo Yakko Procession, which recreates the formal procession of the Matsumae Domain, and the Shigasanmai Dance, performed to pray for a bountiful harvest.

Processions in traditional attire make their way through Kutsugata, with Sarutahiko leading the festival.

After the lively festival music and food stalls, the mikoshi rocking—accompanied by the calls and kiregoe of each of the island’s 4 districts—heightens the festival’s energy.

A grand shrine festival where traditional processions and calls accompanying the mikoshi ring through Kutsugata

What to expect

At the festival, the Matsumae Tojo Yakko Procession and the Shigasanmai Dance procession make their way through Kutsugata, led by Sarutahiko.

Food stalls line the streets as festival music rings out, and the festivities continue with the mikoshi procession.

In the closing mikoshi-rocking event, people push against the mikoshi amid the calls and kiregoe of the island’s 4 districts, bringing the festival’s excitement to its peak.

How to take part

The festival is a grand shrine festival organized by the townspeople as one, and centers on events carried out by participants serving in roles such as the processions and mikoshi procession.

Whether general visitors can take part in the mikoshi rocking or traditional performances may vary by year and role, so if you wish to participate, check with the organizers in advance.

Visitors are invited to enjoy watching the processions and mikoshi procession from along the route.

Source: 北見冨士神社 | 利尻島｜りしぷら RISHIRI PLUS / 国境離島の祭・イベント（３）:海洋政策 - 内閣府

Location and access

Venue and address

Kitami Fuji Shrine (23 Midoricho, Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido)

Train and bus

A 9-minute walk from Kutsugata Bus Stop.

By car

It is about 20 minutes from Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal.

According to the shrine’s information, it is a 25-minute drive from Higashi-Nihonkai Ferry’s Oshidomari terminal.

Source: ⛩北見冨士神社｜北海道利尻郡利尻町 - 八百万の神

Address 23 Midoricho, Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido

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Dates and season

2026 Event Information (The listed dates have passed)

The 2026 event is scheduled for June 25.

The festival is also held annually on June 25 and is listed as the annual festival date of Kitami Fuji Shrine.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The processions and mikoshi procession take place in the streets of Kutsugata, so watch from a spot that does not obstruct traffic.

The mikoshi rocking can include intense scenes with calls and kiregoe, so avoid getting too close to the event route and follow directions from staff and local guides.

Food stalls also line the streets, but their hours and payment methods should be checked for each year’s event.

Nearby attractions

Nearby attractions include Tennen Onsen Rishiri Fureai Onsen, Kutsugata Cape Park, Kamui Terrace, and Mikaeridai Observatory.

Another sightseeing spot in the Kutsugata area, where Kitami Fuji Shrine is located, is Choju no Izumi.

If visiting alongside the festival, check each facility’s operating status and conditions of use in advance.

Origins and History of Kitami Fuji Shrine Grand Festival

Kitami Fuji Shrine is said to have been founded during the Kyoho era on a cape west of Kutsugata Port. It was enshrined as Kitami Fuji Gongen to pray for the protection of the fishing grounds.

As the number of immigrants increased, the sanctuary was moved to its present location in Meiji 26.

The shrine has since undergone the loss and rebuilding of its sanctuary, its designation as a village shrine, consolidation with other shrines, and expansions and renovations, reaching its present form.

The Matsumae Tojo Yakko Procession and the Shigasanmai Dance have been passed down as traditional performing arts at the grand festival.

Source: 北見冨士神社 - 北海道神社庁のホームページ

Official information

Kitami Fuji Shrine’s address, annual festival date, and history can be confirmed on the Hokkaido Shrine Association’s listing.

Visitor information about the event is also available on Hokkaido tourism websites and the Rishiri Island tourism portal.

The contact number listed for shrine inquiries is 0163-84-2345, Rishiri Town Industry Division.

Kitami Fuji Shrine Grand Festival at a Glance

The Kitami Fuji Shrine Grand Festival is an annual shrine festival passed down in Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, held on June 25.

The Matsumae Tojo Yakko Procession and the Shigasanmai Dance make their way through town, followed by the mikoshi procession amid lively festival music and food stalls.

From the historic shrine to the mikoshi rocking accompanied by calls from the island’s districts, this festival offers a close-up experience of the region’s faith and history.