Ōta Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the “donden,” in which 4 dashi floats spin while scattering paper confetti.

In the “Yowaki Donden,” all 4 spin together, creating an impressive display of synchronized movement.

The karakuri puppets decorating the dashi floats each perform with their own float.

The dashi floats’ powerful spins and the puppets’ intricate movements are major attractions of the festival.

A donden festival in Tōkai City, with 4 dancing dashi floats

What to expect

For 2026, the schedule listed the previous day’s Shigaku as starting in front of Ōtagawa Station, with the Hongaku centered around Ōmiya Shrine.

The festival features 4 dashi floats—Arakogumi, Kuroguchigumi, Ichibagumi, and Satogumi—which showcase their spinning techniques.

You can see the dashi floats spin together and watch performances by their decorated karakuri puppets in front of the station, on the shrine grounds, and around Ōta Town.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

Ōmiya Shrine grounds and Ōta Town.

Ōmiya Shrine is at 138 Kamihamada, Ōta-chō, Tōkai City, 477-0031.

Shigaku starts in front of Ōtagawa Station, and Hongaku starts at Ōmiya Shrine.

Train and bus

Take the Meitetsu Line from “Nagoya” Station to “Ōtagawa” Station, then walk about 8 minutes.

October 4, 2026, some Tōkai City Loop Bus services will be rerouted due to the Ōta Festival.

By car

It is about 10 minutes from Tōkai-Ōbu IC on the Chita Peninsula Road.

Parking

You can use the Ōtagawa Station East Public Parking Lot.

There are 196 spaces; parking is paid, and it is about a 10-minute walk to the venue.

The first 30 minutes after entry are free. After 30 minutes, the fee is 100 yen per 30 minutes, with a maximum charge of 500 yen for up to 12 hours.

Source: 循環バス(らんらんバス)の運行状況｜東海市公式ウェブサイト

Address 138 Kamihamada, Ōta-chō, Tōkai City, Aichi 477-0031 (Ōmiya Shrine)

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)

The 2026 event was scheduled for October 3 (Saturday) and October 4 (Sunday).

Shigaku on October 3 starts at 1:30 p.m. in front of Ōtagawa Station, and Hongaku on October 4 starts at 9:30 a.m. at Ōmiya Shrine.

Usually, this 2-day festival takes place on the 1st Sunday of October and the preceding Saturday.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

In 2026, events will take place at several locations, including in front of Ōtagawa Station, within Ōmiya Shrine grounds, and around Ōta Town. Allow plenty of time to move between locations so you can catch the scenes you want to see.

October 4, some loop bus services will be diverted, so check service updates if you plan to take the bus.

If you’re driving, it’s helpful to check the terms for using paid parking and the walk to the event site in advance.

Origins and History of Ōta Festival

The Ōta Festival is said to have originated when Ōta was still called Ōsato Village, and people dedicated umbrella floats to pray for good health and bountiful harvests.

Its origins are said to date back to the late Edo period, and it continues today as the annual festival of Ōmiya Shrine.

The donden performances by the 4 dashi floats and the karakuri puppet performances have been passed down through generations, and the dashi floats are designated Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Tōkai City.

Source: 大田まつり - Wikipedia

Official information

Event information is available on Aichi Now, Aichi Prefecture’s tourism website.

Related information includes a detailed page on “Tōkai City’s Yokosuka and Ōta Dashi Floats” on the official Tōkai City website, and a detailed page on the “Ōta Festival” from the Tōkai City Tourism Association.

Ōta Festival at a Glance

The Ōta Festival is a traditional annual festival held at Ōmiya Shrine and around Ōta Town in Tōkai City, featuring 4 dashi floats performing donden spins.

In 2026, the 2-day event is on October 3 and 4; Shigaku starts in front of Ōtagawa Station, and Hongaku starts at Ōmiya Shrine.

Along with the Yowaki Donden and karakuri puppet performances, the fact that the dashi floats are designated cultural properties is also noteworthy.