Omuta Daijayama Festival

Festival highlights

A major highlight is seeing Daijayama weighing up to 3 tons advance while breathing fire, smoke, and fireworks from their mouths and sounding drums and bells.

Each of the Gion Rokuyama has a distinct Daija face, color scheme, and way of moving its neck, so visitors can enjoy comparing their individual styles.

The Daijayama Grand Parade brings together as many as 12 Daijayama from inside and outside the city.

The 10,000-person grand dance, where residents dance to Tanko-bushi and Daijayama-bayashi, is another highlight of the festival.

Source: まつり紹介 | おおむた大蛇山まつり / イベント案内 | おおむた大蛇山まつり

A festival where fire, smoke, and drums carry Omuta through summer with the Daijayama

What to expect

In 2026, events were scheduled over 2 days, July 25 and the 26th, centered around Taisho-machi Omatsuri Square.

On the 25th, the opening ceremony, children’s events, the 10,000-person grand dance, and the Gion Rokuyama procession, performance, and final send-off took place. On the 26th, the Children’s Daija, Children’s Mikoshi, and Daijayama Grand Parade were held.

The Daijayama move forward amid fire, smoke, and fireworks, with several floats performing together.

The festival also features the Kamase ritual, in which children enter a Daija’s mouth, and prayers for good health.

Source: 【夏を彩る伝統行事】おおむた「大蛇山」まつり開幕！服部知事が「祇園六山巡行」にて伝統文化を体感します - 福岡県庁ホームページ

How to take part

General visitors can watch, and anyone can join the 10,000-person dance on the day without signing up in advance.

If you wish to take part, sign up at the headquarters.

Events planned for children include the Children’s Festival Dance, Children’s Daijayama, and Children’s Mikoshi.

“Kamase,” in which a child is placed in a Daijayama’s mouth, is introduced as a tradition passed down among the six Gion mountains.

To join the 10,000-person dance, sign up at the festival headquarters on the day.

The participation fee is ¥100 per person.

No spectator admission fee or separate application process has been announced for general viewing at the venue.

Source: おおむた『大蛇山』まつり - Wikipedia

Location and access

Venue and address

Taisho-machi Omatsuri Square (and other locations in Taisho-machi 2-chome, Omuta City).

Train and bus

Timetables are available for JR Omuta Station and Nishitetsu Omuta Station.

JR has announced a special train to Tosu in the 22:00 hour on the day of the festival.

The Omuta City Line fare is ¥100 per ride for adults, and children ride free.

By car

Traffic restrictions are planned around the venue.

Use of public transportation is recommended.

Parking

Parking is available around the venue, but spaces are limited.

Source: アクセス | おおむた大蛇山まつり

Address 2-chome Taisho-machi and other locations, Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 Event Information (the dates listed have passed)

In 2026, it was held on July 25 (Saturday) and the 26th (Sunday).

On the 25th, the opening ceremony and other events began at 5:20 p.m., followed by the 10,000-person grand dance at 6:05 p.m. and the Gion Rokuyama procession, performance, and final send-off at 7:25 p.m.

On the 26th, the Children’s Daija and Children’s Mikoshi took place from 5:20 p.m., followed by the Daijayama Grand Parade at 6:20 p.m.

The main dates are usually the 4th Saturday and Sunday of July.

Source: スケジュール | おおむた大蛇山まつり

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

At certain times during performances, you cannot cross to the opposite traffic lane or sidewalk.

Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue, and parking nearby is limited, so travelling by train or bus is recommended.

As some events involve fire and smoke, fireworks, and taiko drums, please follow staff instructions at viewing areas so as not to obstruct the proceedings.

Nappy-changing spaces have been set up at the festival headquarters and related facilities for visitors with small children.

Source: 【会場設備案内】オムツ替えスペースを新設しました。 | おおむた大蛇山まつり

Nearby attractions

A Daijayama is on permanent display at the Shin-Omuta Station Tourist Plaza.

It is presented as a related facility where visitors can see a Daijayama outside the festival period, offering a way to learn about its form and construction.

You can also take commemorative photos at the exhibit.

For information about nearby attractions and opening hours, please check their individual listings.

Origins and History of Omuta Daijayama Festival

The Daijayama is thought to have taken shape through the merging of longstanding water deity worship in the Miike area and Gion worship.

It is said to have begun sometime between 1640, when a Gion shrine was built, and 1852, when records mention a float being pulled at Miike Gion.

From the Meiji period onward, Daijayama were made in Omuta’s various districts after the example of those in the Miike area, eventually spreading into today’s Gion Rokuyama and local floats.

In 1962, Miike Gion, the Omuta Port Festival, and the Tantosai Festival merged, leading to today’s festival.

Official information

For official information, visit the official website of the Omuta Daijayama Festival Promotion Association.

Information on dates, events, access to the venue, traffic restrictions, and more is provided.

The official website listed event information for the 64th festival in 2026.

Omuta Daijayama Festival at a Glance

The Omuta Daijayama Festival is a summer festival held in central Omuta, where large Daijayama proceed amid fire, smoke, fireworks, drums, and bells.

In 2026, the Gion Rokuyama procession and the Daijayama Grand Parade took place at Taisho-machi Omatsuri Square on July 25 and the 26th.

Visitors can join the 10,000-person grand dance on the day, and there are also events for children.

Be mindful of traffic restrictions and limits on crossing streets while watching; public transportation is a convenient option.