A traditional event in Tsuchizaki Port, where warrior figures and Minato Bayashi accompany floats through town
Tsuchizaki Port Festival Hikiyama procession
The 2026 edition of Tsuchizaki Port Festival procession has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/07/20 〜 2026/07/21Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year on July 20 and 21 / Every year
- Location
- Neighborhoods of the Tsuchizaki Port area and around Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine
- Area
- Akita Prefecture・Akita City(From Tokyo: approx. 3 h 40 min–4 h 10 min · bullet train)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
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Tsuchizaki Port Festival Hikiyama procession is an annual festival at Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine, where hikiyama floats adorned with warrior figures parade through the port town to the sounds of Minato Bayashi and dancing.
About Tsuchizaki Port Festival Hikiyama procession
The Tsuchizaki Port Festival Hikiyama procession is the annual festival of Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine, handed down in Tsuchizaki Port, Akita City.
Every year on July 20 and 21, hikiyama floats parade through the port town.
The hikiyama floats are decorated with warrior figures and “mikaeshi” displays satirizing current social conditions, keeping local traditions alive alongside Minato Bayashi.
In Heisei 28, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list as one of the “Yama, Hoko, , float festivals in Japan.”
Source: 土崎港曳山まつりについて｜秋田市公式サイト
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the design and procession of the hikiyama floats presented by each neighborhood.
The front is decorated with warrior figures depicting husband-and-wife rocks, battle scenes, and historical figures. At the back are a musicians’ platform and “mikaeshi” displays satirizing society and culture.
Minato Bayashi, the shouted call “Joyasa,” and performances of Akita Ondo and circle dances along the route add to the lively atmosphere of the town.
Source: 郷土に愛される土崎港曳山まつり | 秋田市観光・イベント情報総合サイト アキタッチ＋(プラス)
A traditional event in Tsuchizaki Port, where warrior figures and Minato Bayashi accompany floats through town
What to expect
During the festival, the hikiyama floats travel through the neighborhoods in time with visits to Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine and the procession.
On July 21, the Miyuki Hikiyama procession passes through Kokuhocho on its way to Aizomecho. Afterward, the Modori Hikiyama procession begins, returning to each neighborhood.
Along the route, the sounds of Minato Bayashi, yose-daiko drums, and Aiya-bushi ring out. The hikiyama floats stop for circle dances and performances of Akita Ondo.
How to take part
Local residents take the lead in carrying on the hikiyama processions and dances.
There are scenes of people of all ages dancing together, showing how the community participates across generations.
Visitors can watch the floats, music, and dances from along the route, but check the official information to see whether members of the public may help operate the floats.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Hikiyama floats travel through the neighborhoods of the Tsuchizaki Port area and around Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Shrine.
The address is Tsuchizakiminato, Akita City.
In 2026, a free shuttle bus is scheduled to run from Michi-no-Eki Akita Port to the Tsuchizaki Minato History and Tradition Museum.
- By car
In 2026, the parking lot at Michi-no-Eki Akita Port can be used as a temporary parking lot.
- Parking
In 2026, the parking lot at Michi-no-Eki Akita Port will serve as a temporary parking lot.
The shuttle bus operates on July 20 and 21.
Source: 【令和8年度】7/20(月祝)・21(火)『土崎港曳山まつり』臨時駐車場・シャトルバスについて | 道の駅あきた港 ポートタワー セリオン
Address Tsuchizakiminato, Akita City, Akita Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)
The announced dates for 2026 were July 20 (Monday) and July 21 (Tuesday).
As usual, the festival takes place on July 20 and 21.
July 21 is described as the day of the Miyuki Hikiyama and Modori Hikiyama processions.
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 Akita Prefecture / Akita City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The hikiyama floats travel through town, so there are several good viewing spots along the route.
If you visit by car in 2026, it is convenient to use the designated temporary parking lot and free shuttle bus.
Traffic restrictions may be imposed around the venue as the festival proceeds, so allow plenty of time if traveling by car.
Nearby attractions
Michi-no-Eki Akita Port and the Tsuchizaki Minato History and Tradition Museum are listed as hubs for temporary festival transportation.
In 2026, a free shuttle bus is scheduled to connect the two facilities.
If you plan to visit nearby attractions as well as the festival, check facility availability and operating hours on the day.
あきた文学資料館
秋田県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
写真：Daigo35 / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
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ノースアジア大学雪国民俗館
秋田県秋田市にある資料館
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
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ポートタワー・セリオン
秋田港にあるポートタワー
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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久保田城
秋田市に所在する城
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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仁別森林博物館
秋田市にある博物館
写真：MWE / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
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千秋公園
秋田県秋田市にある公園
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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彌高神社
秋田県秋田市千秋公園にある神社
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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旧秋田藩主佐竹氏別邸
秋田県秋田市にある久保田藩主佐竹氏の別邸および庭園
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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秋田城
秋田県秋田市にある古代城柵
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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秋田大学附属鉱業博物館
秋田県秋田市にある博物館
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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秋田市大森山動物園
秋田県秋田市の大森山公園にある動物園
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·Origins and History of Tsuchizaki Port Festival Hikiyama procession
The origins of the Tsuchizaki Port Festival are described as follows: in Hoei 1, sailors visiting Tsuchizaki Port donated a mikoshi, and a mikoshi procession was held the following year, leading to the development of the Port Festival.
Today, the festival is said to have a history of more than 300 years.
It was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Heisei 9 and inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in Heisei 28.
Official information
Akita City’s official website has information about the Tsuchizaki Port Hikiyama Festival.
Along with details about the festival processions and the floats’ features, the Tsuchizaki Port Hikiyama Festival Organizing Committee’s website is also provided as a related resource.
Check the organizers’ latest announcements for details about the event year and procession information on the day.
Tsuchizaki Port Festival Hikiyama procession at a Glance
The Tsuchizaki Port Festival Hikiyama procession is a local tradition featuring imposing floats adorned with warrior figures and “mikaeshi” displays reflecting the times.
Accompanied by Minato Bayashi, calls, and dancing, the hikiyama floats make their way through town. The Miyuki Hikiyama and Modori Hikiyama processions also take place in time with the mikoshi procession.
The announced dates for the 2026 festival were July 20 and 21.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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