Saito Kofun Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlights are the torch procession, with people dressed in ancient-style costumes, and the Festival of Fire, which brings the myths of Hyuga to life through dance and music.

Performances also feature melodies from instruments such as the ocarina, accompanied by Japanese drums.

Other attractions that offer a glimpse of ancient life include public visits to the designated imperial tomb site, fire-making, and magatama bead crafting.

Source: 【～11/2】第39回西都古墳まつり | イベント | 宮崎県公式観光サイト「みやざき観光ナビ」

A Saito festival illuminated by torches among the kofun and dances of Japanese mythology

What to expect

The festival runs for 2 days. On the first day, there are kagura performances, the torch procession, and the Festival of Fire; ceremonies and dedications follow on the second day.

In the torch procession, participants in ancient-style costumes walk along a route associated with Japanese mythology.

Along with performances of traditional arts dedicated at the venue, visitors can enjoy hands-on activities such as making fire and crafting magatama beads.

How to take part

The torch procession is an event open to the public.

Participants wear ancient-style costumes and walk with torches for about 4 kilometers from central Saito City to the Imperial Tomb Front Plaza in the Saitobaru Kofun Cluster.

Participants who are junior high school age or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

You can also visit just to look around.

To take part in the torch procession, apply by October 20, 2026 (Tuesday).

There is a limit of 600 participants, and you must be able to walk 4 kilometers on your own.

Participants who are junior high school age or younger must come with a parent or guardian.

In the procession, participants wear ancient-style costumes and walk carrying torches.

Source: たいまつ行列募集 | 宮崎県西都市

Source: 西都古墳まつり | 西都市観光協会

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Location and access

Venue and address

Saitobaru Kofun Group, Goryobo-mae Plaza (Miyake, Saito City).

Train and bus

Take a Miyazaki Kotsu bus bound for Saito from JR Miyazaki Station (about 60 minutes), get off at Saito Bus Center, then take a taxi (about 5 minutes).

Booking a taxi in advance is recommended.

By car

About 15 minutes from Saito IC on the Higashikyushu Expressway.

About 1 hour from Miyazaki Airport and about 50 minutes from JR Miyazaki Station.

Parking

There are spaces for 900 vehicles, including temporary parking.

Address Miyake, Saito City, Miyazaki Prefecture

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Dates and season

In 2026, it will be held on November 7 (Saturday) and the 8th (Sunday).

On the first day, events such as a torch procession and a festival of fire are held. On the second day, activities including Kofunlympics, fire-starting, magatama-making, and a public opening of the Imperial Tomb are planned.

It is usually held on the first Saturday of November and the following Sunday.

Source: 西都古墳まつり / 宮崎県 -【JAPAN 47 GO】

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Tips for your visit

If you join the torch procession, the route involves walking about 4 kilometers and climbing the 169-step Ishinuki Staircase along the way.

If you travel by public transport, you will need to take a taxi from Saito Bus Center to the venue; booking in advance is recommended.

If you plan to come by car, parking is limited, so check guidance on options such as carpooling before you set out.

Nearby attractions

Near the Saitobaru Kofun Group, the festival venue, are the Miyazaki Prefectural Saitobaru Archaeological Museum and the Saitobaru Guidance Center Konohana-kan.

Both are listed as places that can help visitors learn about Saitobaru's history and culture.

If you plan to visit alongside the festival, check each facility's opening status and visitor information.

Museums and art museumsSaito City

宮崎県立西都原考古博物館

宮崎県西都市にある考古学系博物館。

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：STA3816 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Museums and art museumsSaito City

西都市歴史民俗資料館

宮崎県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：Suikotei / CC BY-SA 4.0

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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 Saito Kofun Festival

The festival is said to have its roots in the Sanryo Festival and Goryo Festival, which date back to the Muromachi period.

Another account traces its origins back to the Tenson Korin Festival and the Sanryo Festival at Miyake Shrine, between the Saitobaru Plateau and the city center.

The festival began taking its current form toward the end of the Showa era and has continued as an event connecting the kofun with local beliefs and traditional performing arts.

Official information

The Saito City Tourism Association's event calendar lists the 2026 festival dates.

The official Saito City page lists the capacity, participation requirements, and deadline for applications to join the torch procession.

A phone number is also listed for inquiries to the Saito Kofun Festival Executive Committee Secretariat (at the Saito City Tourism Association).

Source: イベントカレンダー | 西都市観光協会

Saito Kofun Festival at a Glance

The Saito Kofun Festival is a 2-day festival held at the Saitobaru Kofun Group, where visitors can enjoy a torch procession in ancient-style costumes, the Festival of Fire, and performances of traditional arts.

In 2026, the festival will be held on November 7 and 8, and applications are open for the public to join the torch procession.

It is an opportunity to experience the kofun, Hyuga mythology, and local traditional culture all at once.