Toyohashi Gion Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlights are handheld, large-cylinder, and ran-dama fireworks dedicated at Yoshida Shrine, and fireworks launched along the Toyokawa River that light up the night sky and water.

The 2026 fireworks program featured about 12,000 launches, including goldfish fireworks, starmines, 8-gō shells, and river-stage fireworks.

On the final day, the Yoritomo procession, Sasa Odori, and mikoshi procession take place, so visitors can enjoy the festival processions as well as the fireworks.

Source: 令和8年 豊橋衹園祭 | イベント検索 | 【公式】愛知県の観光サイトAichi Now

A traditional summer festival with handheld fireworks and the night sky over the Toyokawa River

What to expect

The festival proceeds through the children’s Sasa Odori, the evening festival, the dedication of handheld fireworks, fireworks along the Toyokawa River, and the annual festival and sacred procession.

On the final day, Urawasai is performed at Yoshida Shrine as part of the festival, followed by the Yoritomo procession and Sasa Odori during the mikoshi procession.

About 350 handheld fireworks were dedicated in 2026, with the program scheduled to run from around 6:30 p.m. to around 9:30 p.m.

How to take part

The festival’s central events, including the dedication of handheld fireworks and the mikoshi procession, are traditions passed down by shrine and local community members.

Visitors are advised that, thanks to the consideration of those involved, they can watch many of the festival events.

No information is provided on how to take part as a performer in the fireworks dedication or procession, or on open calls for general participants.

Location and access

Venue and address

July 17 is at Yoshida Shrine grounds, July 18 is along the Toyokawa River, and July 19 departs from Yoshida Shrine.

Yoshida Shrine is located at 2 Sekiya-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi 440-0891.

Train and bus

About a 20-minute walk from JR Toyohashi Station; about a 10-minute walk from Satsuki Station on the Toyohashi Railway City Line; or about a 1-minute walk from Toyohashi City Hall bus stop on the Toyotetsu Bus (Toyokawa–Shin-Toyokawa Line).

Special trains on the city line are announced for the festival period.

By car

Parking is unavailable during the festival and the preparation period before and after it.

Traffic restrictions are scheduled around the venue.

Parking

Unavailable during the Gion Festival and the preparation period before and after it.

Use of public transportation is recommended.

Address 2 Sekiya-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi 440-0891 (Yoshida Shrine)

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the festival was held from July 17 (Friday) to July 19 (Sunday).

On July 17, handheld, large-cylinder, and ran-dama fireworks are scheduled at Yoshida Shrine grounds from 6:30 p.m.; on July 18, fireworks are scheduled along the Toyokawa River from 6 p.m.; and on July 19, the Yoritomo procession and mikoshi procession are scheduled to depart from Yoshida Shrine at 4 p.m.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The handheld fireworks area tends to be crowded just after the event begins, around 6:30 p.m.; crowds are expected to ease somewhat after around 8 p.m.

Reserving spots, sitting on the ground, and using tripods or monopods are prohibited.

Traffic restrictions are scheduled around the venue, so please use public transportation and prepare for the heat and stay hydrated.

Nearby attractions

Museums and art museumsToyohashi City

豊橋市二川宿本陣資料館

愛知県豊橋市二川町にある市立の博物館

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：Yanajin33 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Facility data source

Museums and art museumsToyohashi City

豊橋市美術博物館

愛知県豊橋市にある美術館 · Museums

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

Photo and data sources×

写真：円周率３パーセント / CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo source ·

Facility data source

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 Toyohashi Gion Festival

Records indicate that the Toyohashi Gion Festival was held as the Tenno Festival during the Edo period, and the mikoshi procession is said to commemorate Minamoto no Yoritomo.

A tradition is said to have been passed down in which the procession walks through the streets dressed in Kamakura- and Heian-period clothing.

Handheld fireworks are said to have originated with a dedication at Yoshida Shrine in Eiroku 1 (1558), and in 2026 the festival was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Toyohashi City.

Official information

The Toyohashi Gion Festival Supporters’ Association’s official website provides this year’s details, traffic restriction maps, and program.

For inquiries, contact the Toyohashi Gion Festival Supporters’ Association Office at 0532-53-5528.

Source: 交通規制図 - 奉賛会｜手筒花火発祥の地｜打上花火大会

Toyohashi Gion Festival at a Glance

The Toyohashi Gion Festival is a summer festival in Toyohashi featuring Yoshida Shrine’s festival rites, handheld fireworks, fireworks along the Toyokawa River, the Yoritomo procession, and the mikoshi procession.

In 2026, it ran from July 17 to the 19th, with about 12,000 fireworks and about 350 handheld fireworks listed in the program.

Crowds and traffic restrictions are expected around the venue. Please use public transportation and watch without obstructing the progress of the festival.