A spirited battle rooted in local tradition between Ryujinmaru and the whale
Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival
The 2026 edition of Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/10/10 〜 2026/10/11Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year in October / Once a year
- Location
- The area around Minami-Gomizuka in Yokkaichi City, centered on Minami-Mimatsuka Shrine
- Area
- Mie Prefecture・Yokkaichi City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · 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
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival in Kusunoki Town, Yokkaichi City, is a mock whaling festival in which the boat-shaped float Ryujinmaru chases a papier-mâché whale and dancers cast harpoons. Processions accompanied by drums and songs, along with powerful performances at Minami-Mimatsuka Shrine, are passed down through generations.
About Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival
The Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival is a land-based mock whaling event passed down in Kusunoki Town, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture.
The festival centers on Minami-Mimatsuka Shrine, and the whaling boat is called “Ryujinmaru.”
Through a sequence of performances in which the boat chases a papier-mâché whale and dancers aboard cast harpoons, the event conveys local traditions and festival culture.
It is also designated as a Yokkaichi City Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Source: 南楠鯨船行事 | 四日市市役所
Festival highlights
The highlight is the battle performance between the lavish boat-shaped float “Ryujinmaru” and the papier-mâché whale.
As the whaling boat chases the whale and the dancers aboard cast harpoons, drums, songs, and dancing accompany the scene.
A distinctive feature is the sequence in which young men inside the whale rampage and repeatedly engage in battle with the whaling boat.
The performance is said to have a clearly organized sequence, making it easy to follow how it unfolds.
Source: 北勢・熊野の鯨船行事【南楠】
A spirited battle rooted in local tradition between Ryujinmaru and the whale
What to expect
During the event, the decorated whaling boat “Ryujinmaru” travels through the community, performing the act of chasing a papier-mâché whale.
Dancers aboard cast harpoons at the whale and enact a battle with the person playing the whale.
There is also dancing to the beat of drums and whaling boat songs, and the sequence concludes by depicting the whale being speared and captured.
As a local festival, it combines a boat procession with performances at the shrine.
How to take part
In 2026, recruitment for child-whale roles and new members was announced for residents of Minami Gomizuka.
This is not a call for members of the general public to take on the same roles; the event is primarily for participants from the district.
Visitors can watch the Ryujinmaru make its way through the area and see performances at the shrine.
If you wish to participate, you need to check the recruitment eligibility and application requirements.
In 2026, recruitment was open to residents of Minami Gomizuka. Applications for child-whale roles and new members were to be submitted to the head of each district's residents' association.
The application period is listed as running from August 4 to September 4.
Roles and eligibility requirements vary by recruitment category, so those interested should apply according to the information provided by their district.
Source: 南楠鯨船保存会 連絡ブログ | Page 1
Location and access
- Venue and address
The event takes place around Minami Omimitsuka Shrine and the Minami Gomizuka area of Yokkaichi.
- By car
The 2026 announcement said that temporary parking was provided for spectators and others coming from outside the Minami Gomizuka district.
- Parking
The temporary parking areas at the Kusunoki Welfare Hall No. 2 Parking Lot (60 vehicles) and the Civic Green Space Relax Plaza (30 vehicles) were open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on October 10, 2026 and the 11th.
Address Minami-Gomizuka, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
This event is held over 2 days each year in October.
The 2026 event announcement said temporary parking for spectators would be open on October 10 (Saturday) and the 11th (Sunday), and that a route map had also been published.
The event centers on the Ryujinmaru procession and performances at Minami Omimitsuka Shrine.
The 2026 dates have passed, so please check for a new announcement about the next event date.
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 Mie Prefecture / Yokkaichi City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The Ryujinmaru’s procession and its battle with the whale take place not only on but also at locations along the route through the community.
If there are particular scenes you want to see, check the published route and the event-day guidance to choose a viewing spot.
On some occasions in rainy weather, the boat’s cabin and bow have been covered with plastic sheeting for the procession.
During the performance, the boat and whale move, so follow the instructions of event staff and local guides, and watch from a safe place.
Nearby attractions
四日市市立博物館
三重県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
澄懐堂美術館
三重県四日市市にある美術館
鳥出神社
三重県四日市市富田にある神社
Origins and History of Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival
The Minami-Kusunoki whaling boat is said to have first appeared around the Meiji period.
Since Showa 37, the Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Preservation Association has taken the lead in passing it down as an annual event.
Whaling boat festivals passed down in the Hokusei region preserve traditional whaling customs and are regarded as fishing rituals that invoke the wealth brought by whales and express wishes for a prosperous life.
In 1989, it was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which the national government should take measures such as creating a record.
Official information
Yokkaichi City lists the Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival as a city-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
The Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Preservation Association is responsible for preserving and passing on the event.
Information about the 2026 route, participant recruitment, temporary parking, and other details was published on the Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Preservation Association’s updates blog.
Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival at a Glance
The Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Festival is a traditional event in Kusunoki Town, Yokkaichi City, featuring a battle between Ryujinmaru and a papier-mâché whale, accompanied by drums, songs, and dancing.
The culture of whaling boats, which dates back to around the Meiji period, is being passed down with the Minami-Kusunoki Whaling Boat Preservation Association taking the lead.
As the procession travels through the community around Minami-Mimatsuka Shrine, it is recommended that you check the route and viewing locations before visiting.
It is also associated with wishes for abundant catches and a prosperous 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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