A festival where scarecrows reflecting the times brighten autumn in Takaoka
Nakata Scarecrow Festival
The 2026 edition of Nakata Scarecrow Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/19 〜 2026/09/20Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year in September / Every year
- Location
- Nakata Central Park, the Nakata Community Center, and other locations
- Area
- Toyama Prefecture・Takaoka City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 10 min–2 h 40 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.
- Features
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Age restrictions
- The children’s category is for junior high school students and younger.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A diverse collection of scarecrows made from straw, wood, and other materials gathers in the Nakata area of Takaoka City. From works inspired by people and events in the news to simple, traditional scarecrows, the festival reflects the community's creativity and craftsmanship.
About Nakata Scarecrow Festival
The Nakata Scarecrow Festival is a local festival centered on scarecrows, held in the Nakata area of Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
Scarecrows made from familiar materials such as straw and wood are displayed, including works that reflect the year's news and social trends.
The festival takes place around Nakata Central Park and the Nakata Community Center, with events including a scarecrow contest and stage performances.
Source: 中田かかし祭 - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A highlight is the display, where you can compare the diverse scarecrows one by one.
Alongside works inspired by people in the news and popular anime characters, traditional, simple scarecrows are also on display.
In 2026, more than 100 scarecrows will be on display, showcasing the works' humor, social satire, and craftsmanship.
Source: 【9/18-23 富山おでかけ】シルバーウィークは各地で秋祭り！曳山・かかし祭・つくりもん＆グルメ・スポーツイベントも満載｜おでかけ｜nan-nan｜富山を楽しむオススメ情報 / 100体以上のかかしが勢ぞろい／高岡市公式ホームページ
A festival where scarecrows reflecting the times brighten autumn in Takaoka
What to expect
At the festival, you can walk around the scarecrow displays and enjoy the contest entries.
Nakata Central Park, one of the venues, hosts scarecrow displays, a flea market, and food stalls, while the Nakata Community Center has a stage for events.
Scarecrow judging and an awards ceremony are also scheduled for 2026.
Source: 中田かかし祭| まいぷれ[高岡市]
How to take part
General visitors can view the displayed scarecrows and stage events.
The scarecrow contest has 4 categories: groups, individuals, children, and simple scarecrows. Anyone may enter.
To enter a work, check the application guidelines and submit an entry form.
To enter the scarecrow contest, fill out the entry application form on the official website and submit it to the Nakata Scarecrow Festival Executive Committee by fax or other means.
The application deadline for 2026 is September 7, and entries can be delivered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 17.
The children's division is open to junior high school students and younger; check the entry requirements for each division before applying.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Nakata Central Park, Nakata Community Center, and other locations (1108 Shimoaso, Takaoka City).
- Train and bus
About 10 minutes from Toide Station on the JR Jōhana Line.
On September 19, 2026 and the 20th, a free shuttle bus runs between the Nakata Scarecrow Festival and the Tsukurimon Festival in Fukuoka-machi.
- By car
About 10 minutes from Takaoka IC on the Nōetsu Expressway.
- Parking
Designated parking lots are available.
Capacity is approximately 300 cars; please follow staff directions.
Source: 中田かかし祭(富山県)の詳細データ｜ウォーカープラス
Address 1108 Shimoaso, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 event was announced as scheduled for September 19 (Saturday) and the 20th (Sunday).
Both days’ hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the event ends at 4 p.m. on the final day, September 20.
The scarecrows will be judged on September 18, and the awards ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on September 20.
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 Toyama Prefecture / Takaoka City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The venues are spread across Nakata Central Park, Nakata Community Center, and other locations, so it’s helpful to check where the exhibits and events you want to see are held before you go around.
If arriving by car, use the designated parking lot and follow staff directions.
In 2026, the event ends at 4 p.m. on the final day, so if you visit in the afternoon, allow plenty of time.
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions in the Nakata area include Yumi no Shimizu, Bashozuka, and Nakata Ikimono no Sato Park.
Yumi no Shimizu is a historic site from the Heian period in Tsunekuni, Takaoka City. Bashozuka is introduced alongside a haiku monument associated with the haiku community of Nakata Town.
Nakata Ikimono no Sato Park has a monument marking the breeding grounds of Ashitsuki, a natural monument, and a monument commemorating a poem by Ōtomo no Yakamochi, governor of Ecchū Province.
Source: 観光案内 | 中田コミュニティ協議会
ミュゼふくおかカメラ館
富山県高岡市にある博物館
二上射水神社
富山県高岡市にある神社
伏木神社
富山県高岡市伏木にある神社
射水神社
富山県高岡市の高岡古城公園内にある神社
気多神社
富山県高岡市伏木一宮にある神社
高岡おとぎの森公園
富山県高岡市佐野・上黒田にある都市公園
高岡市伏木気象資料館
富山県高岡市にある博物館
高岡市立博物館
富山県高岡市にある博物館
高岡市美術館
富山県高岡市中川にある公立美術館
高岡関野神社
富山県高岡市にある神社
Origins and History of Nakata Scarecrow Festival
The Nakata Scarecrow Festival was first held in 1983.
The festival was planned with reference to the scarecrow festival in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture. The first festival was held from October 28, 1983 to November 3.
Since then, it has continued in the Nakata area of Takaoka City, centered on displays and contests featuring scarecrows made from familiar materials.
Official information
For official information, visit the Nakata Scarecrow Festival page on the Nakata District Community Council website.
Information is available on how to access the 2026 scarecrow contest entry form and event schedule.
Inquiries are handled by the Nakata Scarecrow Festival Executive Committee.
Source: 中田かかし祭 | 中田コミュニティ協議会
Nakata Scarecrow Festival at a Glance
The Nakata Scarecrow Festival is an autumn festival where a diverse collection of scarecrows gathers in the Nakata area of Takaoka City.
You can compare works reflecting the times with simple, traditional scarecrows, and enjoy a flea market, food stalls, and stage events.
In 2026, the festival will be held on September 19 and 20 at Nakata Central Park, the Nakata Community Center, and other locations.
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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