Shimada Mage Festival

Festival highlights

The highlight is the Shimada Mage procession, in which young women wearing a variety of traditional Japanese hairstyles walk along Kawagoe Kaido in matching yukata and perform hand dances.

At Udenji Temple, they perform dances dedicated to Toragozen and the principal image of worship; a Mage Memorial Thanksgiving Ceremony and visits to the graves are also held.

In 2026, part of the process of styling traditional Japanese hair was demonstrated on Kawagoe Kaido, allowing visitors to see the tools and the hairstylists’ hands up close.

A traditional event bringing the beauty of Japanese hairstyles and hand dances to the streets of Shimada

What to expect

In 2026, the program was described as beginning with a memorial thanksgiving ceremony, a Great Goma Prayer Ceremony, a formal ceremony, and dances dedicated at Udenji Temple, followed by travel by bus to Kawagoe Kaido.

In the afternoon, teams of young women in mage hairstyles take turns giving hand-dance performances, providing tea, and participating in photo sessions.

A demonstration of traditional Japanese hairstyling is also scheduled at the museum annex, offering a chance to experience not only the festival dances but also the techniques used to style the hair.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

The festival is held at Udenji Temple, Kawagoe Kaido, and Asagao no Matsu Park (in front of the Shimada City Museum) in Shimada City.

To reach Udenji Temple, take the Otsu Line community bus bound for Tentokuji from Stop 2 at the north exit of Shimada Station. Get off at Shimada Municipal General Medical Center and walk about 2 minutes.

Train and bus

Udenji Temple is just under 10 minutes by car from JR Shimada Station.

A free shuttle bus is scheduled to run between the south exit of Shimada Station, in front of the Obidori stage, Udenji Temple, and Kawagoe Kaido.

By car

There is no parking near Udenji Temple.

For Kawagoe Kaido, visitors can use the free Kawagoe Plaza parking area on the Oi River riverbed, but spaces are limited.

Parking

The Shimada City Museum parking lot is for museum visitors only, so visitors are advised not to use it for festival parking.

Event venue 静岡県島田市 鵜田寺

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The event was held on September 20 (Sunday) in 2026.

It is usually held on the third Sunday of September.

The 2026 event was held according to the rainy-weather schedule. The information noted that dances could be canceled or shortened and event plans could change depending on the weather.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Traffic restrictions are planned for the day of the festival on some sections of Kawagoe-shi Kaido.

Please refrain from taking photos in the roadway or from upper floors of apartment buildings, as well as from any other actions that inconvenience others or obstruct traffic.

Visitors are asked not to climb on stone lanterns or other structures at the temple, to take their rubbish home, and not to use remotely operated devices such as drones.

Nearby attractions

Horai Bridge is introduced as a sightseeing spot in Shimada City, the same city where the festival is held.

Horai Bridge is described as the "world’s longest wooden footbridge," recognized by Guinness, and can be enjoyed as part of a visit to Shimada City alongside the Shimada Mage Festival.

The information provided does not indicate the distance from the festival venue, walking time, or whether it is open.

Origins and History of Shimada Mage Festival

The Shimada mage hairstyle is said to have originated with a style devised and worn by Toragozen, a courtesan from Oiso who was born in Shimada City.

In 1933, a Toragozen appreciation festival was held, and the tradition was passed down as the Shimada Mage Festival.

After a period in which the festival was alternately suspended and held, it is said to have become an annual event from 1968 onward.

There are also theories that the Shimada mage hairstyle originated with courtesans at Shimada-juku or kabuki actors.

Official information

The 2026 event information is available in the event listings of the Shimada City Tourism Association, a general incorporated association.

The event is organized by the Shimada Mage Festival Preservation Society and supported by Shimada City and the Shimada City Tourism Association.

Phone numbers for the Shimada City Hall Tourism Division and the Shimada Mage Festival Preservation Society are listed as contacts.

Shimada Mage Festival at a Glance

The Shimada Mage Festival commemorates Toragozen through a mage memorial service and carries on the tradition of Japanese hairstyling passed down in Shimada City.

Highlights included the Shimada Mage procession and dances dedicated by the young women, as well as the memorial thanksgiving ceremony at Udenji Temple. In 2026, a demonstration of traditional Japanese hairstyling was also a highlight.

Before visiting, check how to travel between venues, parking, traffic restrictions, and how to be considerate of others when taking photos.