The Onsen Shrine mikoshi connects the communities and people of Beppu Hatto
Sento Taisai
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Usually held in October or November / Every year
- Area
- Oita Prefecture・Beppu City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 35 min–1 h 55 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.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Sento Taisai is a Beppu festival in which the Onsen Shrine visits Beppu Hatto, and the community shares its gratitude for the hot springs and nature.
About Sento Taisai
Sento Taisai is a local festival held to express gratitude for Beppu’s hot springs and nature.
It began in 2005 and has continued under the leadership of the organizing committee within the Beppu Community Development Promotion Committee.
Students and local young people help organize the festival, with the aim of fostering connections across generations and communities, as well as a strong attachment to the city of Beppu.
Source: 泉都大祭 - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A major highlight is the mikoshi from Onsen Shrine visiting Beppu Hatto.
The mikoshi makes its rounds, connecting Beppu’s different areas and giving visitors a sense of the broad reach of Beppu as a hot spring town.
Events are also held at Hachiman Asami Shrine on festival day, so you can enjoy both the mikoshi procession and local festivities.
The Onsen Shrine mikoshi connects the communities and people of Beppu Hatto
What to expect
The festival features events centered on the Onsen Shrine mikoshi visiting Beppu Hatto.
In past years, the program has also included delegations that received hot water offerings from each area and a mikoshi procession from Asami Shrine to central Beppu.
The program has varied from year to year, and in some years the traditional Kankaiji dance “Macchoru-bushi” was revived.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Events on festival day are held at Hachiman Asami Shrine, while the Onsen Shrine mikoshi visits Beppu Hatto.
Event venue 大分県別府市 祭り当日の催し物は八幡朝見神社で行われ
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
The Sento Grand Festival is usually held in October or November. The Onsen Shrine mikoshi tours Beppu Hatto over 2 days.
In some years, the festival has lasted 3 days, and the program and duration may vary from year to year.
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 Oita Prefecture / Beppu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
ジュピター
大分県別府市の城島高原パークにある木製コースター
ラクテンチ
大分県別府市にある遊園地
八幡朝見神社
大分県別府市にある神社
別府タワー
大分県別府市にある観光塔
別府公園
大分県別府市にある総合公園
別府市美術館
大分県別府市にある美術館
城島高原パーク
大分県別府市にある遊園地
大分香りの博物館
別府市の博物館
火男火売神社
大分県別府市にある神社
Origins and History of Sento Taisai
Sento Taisai began in 2005, and young people, including students from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, have been involved in organizing it.
In its early years, the format of visiting Beppu Hatto with the Onsen Shrine mikoshi was established, and in 2008 the traditional Kankaiji dance “Macchoru-bushi” was revived.
Since 2009, the program has evolved to include combinations such as delegations receiving hot water offerings and a mikoshi procession through central Beppu.
Official information
The official Sento Taisai website is listed as a source of official information.
The Sento Taisai Activity Blog, “Sento Kawaraban,” is also listed as a related source for information about the festival’s organization and activities.
Sento Taisai at a Glance
Sento Taisai is a festival that expresses gratitude for Beppu’s hot springs and nature, and visits Beppu Hatto with the Onsen Shrine mikoshi.
It began in 2005, and students and local young people have taken part in organizing it as it has featured mikoshi processions and community events.
例年は10月または11月の開催です。
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
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Article updated: 2026/10/19
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