Ota City Yabuzuka Kakashi Festival

Festival highlights

The highlight is the collection of handmade creative scarecrows entered in the general division and the junior division for participants up to junior high school age.

In 2026, the scarecrows will be on display from October 25, and the Grand Prix will be decided by visitor vote on November 1.

A distinctive feature is that you can compare the scarecrows one by one and vote for your favorite.

Source: 【2026】太田市・やぶ塚かかし祭り｜創作かかし展示とみんなのふるさとフェスタ – 群馬県・今週末のイベント情報&花火大会＆お祭り

Compare handmade scarecrows and vote for your favorite in autumnal Yabuzuka

What to expect

At the venue, first take a look around at the creative scarecrows displayed in the park, then choose your favorite in the visitor vote on November 1.

Stage events will be held on the day, and food trucks and tent booths run by businesses in Ota City are also planned.

Visitors can also enjoy food and drinks, general goods, handmade products, local specialties, and workshops.

How to take part

In 2026, you can compare the handcrafted scarecrows on display from October 25 and vote for your favorite work on November 1.

The Grand Prix winner among the scarecrow works is scheduled to be decided by visitor vote.

Works from the general division and the junior division, for participants up to junior high school age, will be on display.

In 2026, handcrafted scarecrows in the general division and the junior division, for participants up to junior high school age, will be on display from October 25 to November 1.

After viewing the exhibits, you can vote for your favorite scarecrow in the visitor vote on November 1.

The contest’s Grand Prix winner is scheduled to be decided by vote.

Source: Ota City Yabuzuka Kakashi Festival 2026 | Dates & Access | Japanese Festivals Events

Location and access

Venue and address

Mishima Jinja Park and surrounding area (519 Yabuzuka-cho, Ota, Gunma Prefecture)

Train and bus

About a 10-minute walk from Yabuzuka Station on the Tobu Kiryu Line

Parking

Yes

Source: 太田市やぶ塚かかし祭り - Wikipedia

Address 519 Yabuzukacho, Ota City, Gunma Prefecture

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Dates and season

In 2026, the creative scarecrow exhibition will run from October 25 to November 1.

The main event is scheduled for November 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A visitor vote will take place that day, and the Grand Prix winner among the exhibits is scheduled to be decided.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

In 2026, handcrafted scarecrows will be on display from October 25 to November 1, and the visitor vote will take place on November 1.

If you want to compare the exhibits before voting, note that the exhibition period and voting day are different.

As heavy traffic is expected on surrounding roads and at parking areas on November 1, it’s a good idea to allow extra time if you’re coming by car.

Nearby attractions

Parks and gardensOta City

ぐんまこどもの国

群馬県太田市にある公園

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写真：Taketarou / CC BY-SA 1.0

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Tourist attractionsOta City

ジャパンスネークセンター

日本の群馬県太田市にあるヘビ類の動物園

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Parks and gardensOta City

三日月村

群馬県太田市にある歴史のテーマパーク

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写真：fum3670045 / CC BY 3.0

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Temples and shrinesOta City

世良田東照宮

群馬県太田市にある神社

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写真：Fk / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Temples and shrinesOta City

冠稲荷神社

群馬県太田市細谷町にある神社

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写真：photo: Qurren ( talk ) Taken with Canon PowerShot G9 X / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Castles and historic sitesOta City

新田金山城

群馬県太田市にあった城

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写真：Mocchy / Public domain

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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 Ota City Yabuzuka Kakashi Festival

The Kakashi Festival has its roots in the custom of making human figures from bamboo, straw, and other materials and placing them in fields to protect crops from damage by birds and animals.

According to information from Ota City, one account of the festival's origins is that scarecrows were worshipped as yorishiro of the mountain deity, believed to drive away evil spirits that harm crops.

The festival itself began in 1984 and has continued every autumn in the Yabuzuka district.

Official information

Basic information about the festival, including Mishima Shrine Park and its surroundings as the venue, is listed in the tourism section of Ota City's website.

The 2026 event is also listed in Ota City's Koho Ota newsletter as “Minna no Furusato Festa and Yabuzuka Kakashi Festival.”

The listed contact is the general incorporated association AND TSUNAGU PROJECT.

Source: 広報おおた令和8年9月1日号 - 広報おおた - 太田市ホームページ（広報ブランド課）

Ota City Yabuzuka Kakashi Festival at a Glance

The Ota City Yabuzuka Kakashi Festival is an autumn festival where visitors can enjoy creative scarecrows handmade by local residents and children.

In 2026, the scarecrows will be on display from October 25, and the main event will be held at Mishima Shrine Park on November 1.

A visitor vote, stage events, food trucks, and merchandise stalls are also planned, so visitors can enjoy the scarecrow displays alongside local festivities.