Saio Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the Saio Procession, in which performers dressed in Heian-period attire walk in procession.

At the departure ceremony, rituals include the handover of a hiogi fan, misogi, and the dispatch ceremony, marking the Saio’s departure.

At the Shato Ceremony, held after the procession arrives at Saikuu Heian no Mori, the Saio and her entourage gather for a ceremony against the backdrop of the reconstructed buildings.

Source: 【絢爛豪華な平安絵巻を再現！2026年6月6日(土)に『第43回斎王まつり』が三重県明和町で開催されます！！】 | 取材レポート | 観光三重(かんこうみえ)

A Heian picture scroll brought to life: the Saio Procession at Saiku

What to expect

The festival begins with a market and live events, then moves on to the departure ceremony, which includes introductions to the performers in Heian-period attire.

The Saio Procession then travels from Saio no Mori along the Ise Kaido and past Take Shrine to Saikuu Heian no Mori.

After the procession arrives, the Shato Ceremony and finale are held, and visitors can also enjoy performances such as taiko, gagaku, yosakoi, and dance.

How to take part

There is a system that allows members of the public to apply as procession performers, taking roles such as the Saiō, child Saiō, court ladies, konoe emissaries, and accompanying musicians.

Performers are chosen through an open call and selection process, and people from both inside and outside the town have been able to apply.

One distinctive feature is that you can do more than watch: you can take on a role and help bring the festival to life.

Those wishing to participate in the procession should apply through the open recruitment on the official Saio Festival website and go through a selection process, including document screening.

The recruitment period is generally announced to begin around December of the previous year and around January of the event year.

Roles include the Saio, child Saio, female betto, naishi, myobu, uneme, konoe-no-tsukai, and baiju.

Source: 斎王まつり - Wikipedia

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Location and access

Venue and address

Around the north side of Kintetsu Saiku Station, from Saio no Mori to Saikuu Heian no Mori.

The main venue is at 503 Takegawa, Meiwa Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture.

Train and bus

About a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Saiku Station.

Only local trains stop at Saiku Station. If traveling by limited express or express train, transfer to a local train at Matsusaka or Iseshi Station.

There will be no shuttle bus service in 2026.

By car

About 15 minutes from Tamaki IC and about 35 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway.

Parking

Temporary parking is available at Kamizono Lawn Plaza and the Saiku Historical Museum.

Parking around Saikuu Heian no Mori and the Itsukinomiya Regional Exchange Center is unavailable.

Address 503 Takegawa, Meiwa Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 43rd Saio Festival was scheduled for June 6 (Saturday) in 2026.

The event was scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with live events at Saikuu Heian no Mori, a departure ceremony and the Saio Procession at Saio no Mori, and the Shato Ceremony after the procession arrived.

The event is canceled in case of rain. It is generally held on the first Saturday of June each year.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The venues are spread across places including Saio no Mori, the area around Take Shrine, and Saikuu Heian no Mori. To make the most of your visit, check the location and time of the events you want to see before moving between venues.

Roads and entrances are expected to be busy, so visitors are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey.

The event is canceled in case of rain. Temporary parking is also expected to be busy in 2026, so visitors are advised to use public transportation.

Nearby attractions

Nearby, the Saiku Historical Museum and Itsukinomiya Museum of History and Experience offer opportunities to learn about Saiku’s history.

Saikuu Heian no Mori is also a festival venue. The main hall, east wing, and west wing of the Saiku administrative complex have been reconstructed there.

Take Shrine and the Saiku iris colony, designated a national natural monument, are also highlighted as nearby attractions.

Parks and gardensMeiwa Town

大仏山公園

三重県にある公園

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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 Saio Festival

The Saio Festival began in 1983, while excavation work at the Saiku site was underway, led by local women's associations.

The reenactment of the Saio Procession began with the 3rd festival in 1985. The current version, based on historical research into the Heian period, took shape from the 7th festival in 1989.

From 1995, recruitment of performers expanded beyond the town, and selection events for the role of Saio have been held since 2000.

Official information

The Saio Festival is organized by the Saio Festival Executive Committee.

The official website provides festival information, including calls for performers and the schedule for the day.

The listed contact is the Saio Festival Executive Committee, at 0596-52-0054.

Saio Festival at a Glance

The Saio Festival is held at Saiku in Meiwa Town and carries on the journey of the Saio from the capital to Ise as a procession in Heian-period attire.

Along with the series of events—the departure ceremony, Saio Procession, and Shato Ceremony—there are also markets and musical performances.

The event was announced for June 6 in 2026, and the venue can be reached on foot from Saiku Station.