An autumn festival where dashi weighing about 3 tons soar into the air
Niihama Taiko Festival
The 2026 edition of Niihama Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/10/15 〜 2026/10/18Ended
- Season / frequency
- October 15–October 18 / Every year
- Location
- Throughout Niihama City (main kakikurabe venue: Yamane Ground, etc.)
- Area
- Ehime Prefecture・Niihama City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 25 min–1 h 45 min · flight time only)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
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Information is available about booking spectator seating online.
- Required number of participants
- About 150 bearers at the kakikurabe
- Official website / social media
- Official website
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
An autumn festival where magnificent parade through Niihama and perform kakikurabe events in each district.2026年は10月15日から18日まで開催される予定として案内されていました。
About Niihama Taiko Festival
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: osamu tanaka File:山根グラウンド（2009年新居浜太鼓祭り） - Panoramio 28123946.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 osamu tanaka https://www.panoramio.com/photo/28123946Display size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: 日:Muramasa,Muramasa File:Niihamataikomatsuri01.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 日:Muramasaによる撮影Display size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: osamu tanaka File:山根グラウンド（2009年新居浜太鼓祭り） - Panoramio 28123987.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 osamu tanaka https://www.panoramio.com/photo/28123987Display size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.The Niihama Taiko Festival is an autumn festival held throughout Niihama, where magnificent dashi parade through the city.
The dashi are adorned with decorative curtains embroidered with gold and silver thread, carefully passed down in each community.
The festival unfolds in each district to the sound of drums and flutes and the calls of the bearers.
Festival highlights
The biggest highlight is the kakikurabe, in which the wheels are removed from the dashi and the bearers raise it above their heads.
The sight of about 150 people lifting a dashi weighing about 3 tons is described as a scene that symbolizes the festival.
During the “sashiage,” performed to the calls of “Sorya, Sorya,” the cheers of the crowd bring a sense of unity to the venue.
An autumn festival where dashi weighing about 3 tons soar into the air
What to expect
During the festival, dashi parade through Niihama, and kakikurabe events are held in each district.
The united gathering of the Upper Districts takes place at Yamane Ground, where you can watch the dashi being lifted and performed.
It is a festival where you watch the dashi from each district in motion as you listen to the drums, flutes, and the calls of the bearers.
How to take part
Kakikurabe and sashiage, in which dashi are lifted, are events performed by participating bearers.
General visitors watch the performances as part of the crowd filling the venue.
Visitors who wish to watch can see kakikurabe events held in each district and dashi parading through the city.
Information is available about booking spectator seating online, but please check the announcements for the relevant festival year for booking details.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Throughout Niihama City.
One of the main highlights is the united gathering of the Upper Districts at Yamane Ground.
- Train and bus
About 30 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Niihama Station.
In 2026, free shuttle buses will run at regular intervals from Niihama Station’s south exit to Yamane Ground between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- By car
About 30 minutes from Niihama IC.
Be aware of road congestion and traffic restrictions around kakikurabe venues during the festival.
- Parking
The information states that there is “no” general parking.
Since event locations vary, contact the Niihama City Tourism and Products Division to check on parking.
Source: 新居浜太鼓祭り - 愛媛県新居浜市ホームページ｜四国屈指の臨海工業都市
Address Throughout Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture
Dates and season
2026年の開催案内（掲載日程は終了しています）
2026年の新居浜太鼓祭りは、10月15日から10月18日まで開催予定として案内されていました。
During the festival, dashi parade through Niihama, and kakikurabe events are held in each district.
The united gathering of the Upper Districts is scheduled to take place at Yamane Ground.
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 Ehime Prefecture / Niihama City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Roads get congested during the festival, and you may be delayed in reaching each venue.
Traffic restrictions due to congestion are in place around kakikurabe venues, so allow plenty of time for travel.
Bus routes may change during the festival; when using the buses, also be aware of temporary stops and detours.
If you are considering using a parking lot, it is best to check with the information desk in advance.
Nearby attractions
あかがねミュージアム
愛媛県新居浜市にある文化施設
ゆらぎの森
愛媛県新居浜市別子山にある森林公園
マイントピア別子
愛媛県新居浜市にあるテーマパーク・道の駅
住友化学愛媛工場歴史資料館
愛媛県新居浜市にある資料館
別子山ふるさと館
愛媛県新居浜市にある施設
別子銅山記念館
愛媛県新居浜市にある博物館
広瀬歴史記念館
愛媛県新居浜市にある広瀬宰平の記念館
愛媛県総合科学博物館
愛媛県新居浜市にある博物館
日暮別邸記念館
愛媛県新居浜市にある記念館
池田池公園
愛媛県新居浜市にある公園
滝の宮公園
愛媛県新居浜市にある公園
Official information
The official Niihama City website provides information about the Niihama Taiko Festival, including an overview, the history of the dashi, schedules, free shuttle buses to Yamane Ground, and spectator seating.
It also features the 2026 schedule pamphlet and a main event schedule.
Official information is available on the Niihama City Tourism and Products Division page.
Niihama Taiko Festival at a Glance
The 2026 Niihama Taiko Festival is an autumn festival where dashi parade through Niihama and perform kakikurabe events in each district.
Highlights include kakikurabe, where about 150 people lift a dashi weighing about 3 tons, and sashiage performed to calls of encouragement.
The festival is scheduled to run from October 15 to the 18th, and road congestion and traffic restrictions mean you should allow plenty of time for travel.
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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