Shirataki’s chigo procession and flower mikoshi carry on the legend of Princess Ruri
Rurihime Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/11/23Scheduled
- Season / frequency
- Every year November 23 / Every year
- Location
- Shirataki Park
- Area
- Ehime Prefecture・Ozu 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.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A memorial event connected with the legend of Princess Ruri takes place in Shirataki, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture. Through the chigo procession, the offering of the flower , and the autumn leaves at Shirataki Park, visitors can experience a story passed down through generations in the local community.
About Rurihime Festival
The Rurihime Festival is a traditional event and tourism attraction held in connection with the legend of Princess Ruri, passed down in Shirataki, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture. It honors her spirit.
The chigo procession, featuring children in dazzling costumes, and the offering of the flower mikoshi take place at Shirataki Park and its surrounding area.
The festival coincides with the autumn foliage season, bringing together local traditions and natural scenery.
Source: 白滝るり姫まつり｜愛媛のイベントを探す｜愛媛県の公式観光サイト【いよ観ネット】 / るり姫祭り - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
The main highlights are the children’s chigo procession dressed as Princess Ruri and the offering of a flower-decorated mikoshi.
The procession moves through the shopping district and other areas. After a memorial service at the Rurihime Kannon statue, the flower mikoshi is thrown into the plunge pool.
Along with the distinctive offering ceremony, in which the mikoshi is dropped about 60 meters, visitors can enjoy the autumn foliage and multiple waterfalls at Shirataki Park.
Source: 白滝るり姫まつり｜各地のまつり｜まつりと
Shirataki’s chigo procession and flower mikoshi carry on the legend of Princess Ruri
What to expect
The event begins with a memorial service at a temple. The chigo procession then sets out from the temple and winds through the shopping district and other areas.
Afterward, the procession heads to the Rurihime Kannon statue above the waterfall for a memorial service.
At noon, as Princess Ruri and the others look on, the flower mikoshi is thrown into the plunge pool. Local performing arts, including dance and the bountiful harvest dance, follow.
Source: 白滝るり姫まつり / 愛媛県 -【JAPAN 47 GO】
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
参加費：無料
Location and access
- Venue and address
Shirataki Park (Shirataki, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture)
- Train and bus
It is a 10-minute walk from JR Iyo-Shirataki Station.
- By car
It is a 15-minute drive from Ozu IC.
- Parking
Paid and free parking is available.
Address Shirataki, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture
Dates and season
The 2026 event is scheduled for November 23 (Monday).
It is usually held on the public holiday on November 23, with a memorial service at the temple, a chigo procession, a service at the Rurihime Kannon statue, and the dropping of the flower mikoshi.
The flower mikoshi drop, the main event, is scheduled for noon.
Source: 愛媛県の秋祭り2026年開催情報（令和8）愛媛県内各地の大きな36の秋祭り内容とスケジュール！ - RNBエンタメディア
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 / Ozu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The procession travels from the temple through the shopping district to the upper part of the waterfall, so allow time to get between locations if you plan to watch from more than one place.
The flower mikoshi is dropped from the top of the waterfall into the plunge pool, so take care around the waterfall and follow staff instructions.
As the event takes place during the autumn foliage season, comfortable clothing for walking is recommended so you can enjoy the surrounding natural scenery as well.
Nearby attractions
Shirataki Park, the setting for the festival, is a natural attraction known for its autumn foliage and multiple waterfalls.
The park has several waterfalls, including Odaki, Medaki, Ochiai Falls, and Ne no Taki, each with its own distinctive scenery.
Ceramic figures called Yume-warabe are said to line the route to the statue of Princess Ruri and her child.
大洲城
愛媛県大洲市にあった城
Origins and History of Rurihime Festival
The festival is rooted in the tragic tale of Princess Ruri, who is said to have thrown herself into a waterfall at Shirataki during the Sengoku period.
In 1570, when Yonezu Castle was attacked by forces of Chosokabe, the lord’s wife, Lady Ruri, is said to have thrown herself into a waterfall while holding her young heir. Her attendants followed after her.
The festival is held every year as a memorial to her spirit.
Official information
Tourism information for Ozu City is available on the sightseeing section of the city’s official website.
For festival inquiries, the Shirataki Commercial and Tourism Federation lists the phone number 0893-54-0565.
Rurihime Festival at a Glance
The Rurihime Festival carries on a tragic tale passed down in Shirataki. The festival honors Princess Ruri’s spirit with a chigo procession and the offering of a flower mikoshi.
In 2026, the festival will be held at Shirataki Park on November 23, with the flower mikoshi drop at noon as a major highlight.
This event brings together local legend and nature, and can be enjoyed alongside the autumn leaves and waterfall scenery.
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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