Shimodate Gion Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include the procession through the city streets of the historic Meiji mikoshi, the Women’s mikoshi, and the Heisei mikoshi.

The Heisei mikoshi weighs about 2 tons and is described as one of the largest mikoshi in Japan that is carried by hand.

On the third day, the Wasshoi Carnival brings together mikoshi and dashi floats from inside and outside the city, and the river procession can also be seen early on the final day.

A Chikusei summer festival enlivened by 3 mikoshi and a river procession

What to expect

At the festival, mikoshi from each neighborhood, as well as the Meiji mikoshi, Women’s mikoshi, and Heisei mikoshi, are carried in procession through the city.

In 2026, mikoshi processions began on the first day. On the second day, the Town Association Mikoshi Federation procession took place, and on the third day, the Wasshoi Carnival and the Heisei mikoshi’s procession into the shrine were held.

On the final day, after the early-morning river procession, the Meiji mikoshi heads to Haguro Shrine.

Source: 【2026】下館祇園まつり｜大神輿と川渡御が彩る筑西市最大級の夏祭り – 茨城県・今週末のイベント情報&花火大会＆お祭り / いばらきの伝統文化-伝統文化 下館祇園祭（下館の祇園）

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

The street in front of Shimodate Station’s North Exit, Haguro Shrine, and other locations.

The river procession takes place by the Kogyo River Bridge in Kanaicho, at Haguro Shrine, and other locations.

The address is 13-5 Ko, Chikusei, Ibaraki 308-0041.

Train and bus

A 7-minute walk from Shimodate Station on the JR Mito Line.

During the festival, some bus routes departing from and arriving at the station’s North Exit are changed, and the taxi stand is moved to the South Exit.

By car

About 20 minutes via National Route 50 from Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway; about 60 minutes via National Route 294 from Yawara IC on the Joban Expressway; about 45 minutes via National Route 294 from Joso IC on the Ken-O Expressway.

Parking

Free temporary parking is available at the former City Hall building and the station-front multistory parking lot.

Please avoid parking at nearby supermarkets and convenience stores.

Address 13-5 Ko, Chikusei, Ibaraki 308-0041

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Dates and season

2026 festival announcement (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the festival was held over 4 days, from July 23 (Thursday) to July 26 (Sunday).

From July 23 through the 25th, mikoshi processions and other events took place from evening into the night, and the Wasshoi Carnival was held on July 25.

On the final day, July 26, the Meiji mikoshi’s river procession took place early in the morning.

Source: ちくせいムービーちゃんねる / 筑西最大の夏の風物詩 下館祇園まつり｜イベント情報｜茨城のお店・イベント・地域情報サイト いばナビ

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Tips for your visit

In 2026, traffic restrictions were in place on nearby roads from July 23 through the 26th.

Some bus routes departing from and arriving at the station’s North Exit are changed, and the taxi stand is moved to the South Exit.

It’s a good idea to check traffic information before your visit, including details about temporary parking and getting around on foot.

Nearby attractions

Visitor information for the area around the festival venue includes Haguro Shrine, Shimodate Museum of Art, the Itaya Hazan Memorial Museum, and the streets of Shimodate.

Along with the area around Shimodate Station, where the mikoshi processions take place, you can plan a visit to Chikusei City’s shrines and temples, as well as places connected with art and history.

Please check the opening status and days of each facility before your visit.

Origins and History of Shimodate Gion Festival

Before the war, the Shimodate Gion Festival was held for 4 days, from day 14 of lunar month 6 through the 17th.

Around Showa 35–36, under the influence of the New Life Movement, the festival shifted from July 24 to the 27th, and later changed to a schedule around July 23.

In the past, dashi floats and strength contests were also part of the festival. The ways of carrying the mikoshi and the forms of the processions have changed to accommodate traffic conditions and other factors.

Official information

The official Chikusei City website has published a festival announcement from the mayor for the 2026 Shimodate Gion Festival.

The schedule and the Wasshoi Carnival on July 25 are highlighted.

The Public Relations and Public Opinion Section of Chikusei City Hall is also listed as a contact.

Shimodate Gion Festival at a Glance

The Shimodate Gion Festival is a summer festival in which the Meiji mikoshi, Women’s mikoshi, Heisei mikoshi, and others are carried through the city streets of Chikusei.

In 2026, from July 23 through the 26th, the Wasshoi Carnival, mikoshi processions, and the river procession on the final day were held.

Around the street in front of Shimodate Station’s North Exit and Haguro Shrine, you can compare the different types of mikoshi and the events held each day.