Mashiko’s summer, carried on by mikoshi and dashi: a festival featuring the Omiki Chodai Ceremony
Mashiko Gion Festival
The 2026 edition of Mashiko Gion Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/07/23 〜 2026/07/25Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year, July 23–July 25 / Every year
- Location
- Kashima Shrine and various locations around Mashiko Town
- Area
- Tochigi Prefecture・Mashiko Town(From Tokyo: approx. 50 min–1 h · 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.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A summer festival in which and parade through Mashiko Town, featuring the Omiki Chodai Ceremony, which symbolizes the handover of duties between districts, and the Gojōran presentation of dashi.
About Mashiko Gion Festival
The Mashiko Gion Festival is a traditional summer event in Mashiko, held as the festival of Yasaka Shrine, a subsidiary shrine on the grounds of Kashima Shrine.
The district assigned to host sets up a temporary shrine, and the mikoshi and dashi process through town.
The festival is also known as the “Tenno Festival” and has been preserved as districts across town pass their roles down through the generations.
This is a festival rooted in the local community, with participants including people who moved to Mashiko, such as pottery artists.
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the “Omiki Chodai Ceremony,” held on July 24.
This ritual for handing over festival duties dates back to the Edo period. It is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Mashiko Town and is sometimes considered one of the three great eccentric festivals of the Kanto region.
On the final day, dashi take part in a joint procession led by a flower horse. In the evening, dashi from each district gather in front of Kashima Shrine to offer the “Gojōran” presentation.
Source: 認定No.54｜八坂神社祇園祭（益子祇園祭・天王祭） | 益子町公式ホームページ
Mashiko’s summer, carried on by mikoshi and dashi: a festival featuring the Omiki Chodai Ceremony
What to expect
On the first day, the spirit is transferred from Yasaka Shrine to the main shrine mikoshi, which is then carried in procession to the temporary shrine of the district in charge.
During the festival, dashi from districts including Shinmachi, Tamachi, Uchimachi, Jōnai, and Saido take part and parade through Mashiko Town.
On the 2nd day, the Omiki Chodai Ceremony takes place; on the final day, the festival proceeds with the mikoshi return procession, a joint dashi procession led by a flower horse, and the Gojōran presentation.
How to take part
At the heart of the festival is a local celebration organized by the ujiko districts and the district assigned to host that year in Mashiko.
Girls and women also take an active part in the dashi processions and performances.
However, no information is provided on how general visitors can join the mikoshi or dashi processions, so please check local guidance if you wish to participate.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kashima Shrine and various locations around Mashiko Town.
The listed address is around 1685 Mashiko, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture.
- Train and bus
Mashiko Station on the Moka Railway is the nearest station.
- Parking
Parking is listed as available.
Source: 益子祇園祭 - Wikipedia
Address Around 1685 Mashiko, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)
In 2026, the festival was scheduled to run for 3 days, from July 23 (Thursday) through July 25 (Saturday).
The procession departure ceremony was scheduled for July 23, the sacred sake ceremony for July 24, and the return procession ceremony and viewing by the lord for July 25.
The Mashiko Gion Festival is usually held on July 23, the 24th, and the 25th.
Source: 益子町へようこそ | 益子町公式ホームページ
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 Tochigi Prefecture / Mashiko Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The dashi process through districts and along major roads in Mashiko, so take care not to obstruct them when traveling or watching.
Women are not permitted to attend the sacred sake ceremony.
The final-day viewing by the lord begins at 10 p.m., so if you visit at night, it’s a good idea to check the end time and return transportation in advance.
Nearby attractions
益子参考館
栃木県益子町にある濱田庄司の蒐集品を展示している民藝博物館
Origins and History of Mashiko Gion Festival
The Mashiko Gion Festival is said to have begun around Hōei 2 (1705), when an epidemic spread in Mashiko and people enshrined Gozu Tennō, praying for the epidemic to be driven away.
It was once called the Tenno Festival, and mikoshi processions and grand festivals were held according to the lunar calendar.
Today’s Omiki Chodai Ceremony is connected to the custom of receiving sacred sake in a large cup during the old handover of festival duties.
Official information
The Mashiko Town official website’s listing for “Yasaka Shrine Gion Festival (Mashiko Gion Festival and Tenno Festival)” provides the festival schedule, event details, the address near the venue, and parking information.
Kashima Shrine is listed as the contact for festival-related inquiries.
Mashiko Gion Festival at a Glance
Mashiko Gion Festival is a traditional event featuring mikoshi and dashi, carried on by the various districts of Mashiko Town as a festival of Yasaka Shrine.
Highlights include the Omiki Chodai Ceremony, a joint dashi procession led by a flower horse, and the Gojōran presentation.
The 2026 schedule was announced for July 23 through the 25th, with events planned at Kashima Shrine and various locations around town.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
Submit information or a correction Submit photos of this festival
