Omigawa Gion Festival

Festival highlights

A highlight is the 6 two-tiered dashi, adorned with elaborate carvings and vibrant colors.

When the dashi are moving, festival music performed by the geza-ren ensembles fills the air. When they stop, the roofs above are raised and performances are presented.

In front of the dashi, hand dances rooted in the tekomai tradition are also performed.

Another distinctive feature is that visitors can enjoy the mikoshi procession and dashi parade one after the other.

Source: 小見川祇園祭 - Wikipedia

A Gion festival that brings downtown Omigawa to life with 6 two-tiered dashi and a mikoshi

What to expect

The festival begins on the first day with the mikoshi departing from Suga Shrine in procession.

On the 2nd and 3rd days, the dashi are paraded from 9 a.m.; on the 2nd day, mikoshi from Daikon-zuka and Yokaichiba also appear.

The dashi feature festival music on the 1st floor and performances on the 2nd floor, and visitors can enjoy touring the town while comparing the dashi from each neighborhood.

Program details may change.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

参加費：見物無料

Location and access

Venue and address

Omigawa Station-area town center (around Suga Shrine).

The festival plaza is around the Omigawa branch of Sawara Shinkin Bank.

Address

319 Omigawa, Katori, Chiba Prefecture.

Train and bus

5 minutes on foot from Omigawa Station on the JR Narita Line.

July 18・On the 19th, free shuttle buses will run from the Omigawa Civic Center parking lot and Omigawa Castle Park No. 2 parking lot to near the festival area.

By car

It is a 20-minute drive from the Sawara-Katori Interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway.

July 18・Traffic restrictions will be in place on National Route 356 and other roads on the 19th.

Parking

Temporary parking is available at the Omigawa Civic Center parking lot, Omigawa Castle Park No. 2 parking lot, and the parking lot behind the Omigawa B&G Marine Center.

All are free of charge.

Address 319 Omigawa, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 Festival Information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, it was held from July 17 (Fri) to July 19 (Sun).

On the 17th, the mikoshi procession from Suga Shrine took place in the morning, and the dashi were paraded from 9 a.m. on the 18th and 19th.

According to the 2026 festival information, the festival has ended.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

July 18・Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue on the 19th.

National Route 356 will be restricted from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and City Road 1-36 (Honcho-dori) from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

From 9 a.m., detours for large vehicles will also be 안내 on National Route 356.

If you are arriving by car, consider using the temporary parking lots or shuttle buses.

Nearby attractions

In the same Katori City as the Omigawa Gion Festival are the Edo-era streetscape of Sawara and Katori Jingu.

In Sawara, you can also explore the historic buildings along the Ono River and the culture associated with the Sawara Grand Festival.

Katori Jingu is described as the head shrine of Katori shrines.

Nearby spots suited to visitors who want to learn more about Katori City’s history and culture alongside the festival.

Source: 【香取市】小見川祇園祭2026は7月17日〜19日、寛永16年から続く屋台と御神輿の3日間 | 千葉県のイベント情報｜千葉県・2026年7月17日（金） / 千葉のかき氷7選！～周辺のグルメ＆観光スポットもあわせてご紹介～【2026年度】｜特集｜千葉県公式観光サイト ちば観光ナビ

Parks and gardensKatori City

Suigo Sawara Ayame Park

千葉県香取市にある植物園

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：katorisi / CC BY 2.5

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Facility data source

Temples and shrinesKatori City

Katori Jingu

千葉県香取市にある神社

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：Saigen Jiro / CC0

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Omigawa Gion Festival

According to historical documents, the Omigawa Gion Festival is said to have begun in Kan’ei 16 (1639).

This is the annual festival of Suga Shrine and is said to have developed from the Gion Festival at Tsushima Shrine in Aichi Prefecture.

The carvings, colors, and structure of the dashi incorporate Edo culture from the period when Omigawa was a castle town ruled by the Uchida clan and prospered as a port on the Tone River waterway.

Official information

Details on the schedule, venue, traffic restrictions, temporary parking, and shuttle buses are available under “Omigawa Gion Festival” on the Katori City website.

The site also includes the 2026 festival information and traffic updates for the event days.

Omigawa Gion Festival at a Glance

The Omigawa Gion Festival is held in Omigawa, Katori City, with the mikoshi associated with Suga Shrine’s annual festival and 6 two-tiered dashi as its main attractions.

The dashi feature festival music and performances, while their carvings and colors reflect Omigawa’s history as a prosperous castle town and river port.

In 2026, it was held from July 17 to the 19th, with dashi parades and traffic restrictions on the 18th and 19th.