A traditional Yobuko event in which the Hama and Oka teams pull against each other on a giant rope
Yobuko Big Tug-of-War
The 2026 edition of Yobuko Big Tug-of-War has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/06/06 〜 2026/06/07Ended
- Season / frequency
- The first Saturday of June and the Sunday that follows each year / Every year
- Location
- In front of Yobuko Civic Center (June 6), in front of Yobuko Mikami Shrine (June 7)
- Area
- Saga Prefecture・Karatsu City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 10 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.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free
- Required number of participants
- No limit on the number of participants
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Yobuko Big Tug-of-War is a traditional event in Yobuko, Karatsu City, in which the town is divided into two teams that pull against each other on a giant rope while praying for the blessings of sea and land.
About Yobuko Big Tug-of-War
The Yobuko Big Tug-of-War is a traditional event passed down in Yobuko, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, in which the Hama and Oka teams pull against each other on a giant rope.
The outcome is used in an annual divination of fishing and agricultural fortunes, and the event has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The tug-of-war carries on people’s hopes for the blessings of sea and land that have sustained life in the town.
Source: 国指定文化財等データベース
Festival highlights
One highlight is the thrilling contest as the Hama and Oka teams pull against each other on a 200-meter-long giant rope.
Around the “mito” placed at the center of the rope, a best-of-three contest unfolds to the sound of a gong.
The town’s winding roads and the position of the rope also affect the contest, making the terrain and strategy just as interesting to watch as the strength of the pullers.
Source: 呼子大綱引 | イベント | 【公式】佐賀県観光サイト あそぼーさが / 【唐津の魅力再発見】想像以上に本気だった！ 呼子大綱引き——熱気あふれる“喧嘩祭り”の思い出と、来年への期待（令和8年9月11日、つばきあや） - マチノネ - 唐津市ホームページ（広聴広報課）
A traditional Yobuko event in which the Hama and Oka teams pull against each other on a giant rope
What to expect
The first day features the children’s tug-of-war. The next day begins with “Machimawari,” when young men walk around town beating gongs.
At the venue, the mito is placed at the center of the giant rope. Following events including a purification ritual for children celebrating their first seasonal festival, the adult tug-of-war takes place.
Pullers split into the Hama and Oka teams tug on the rope to the beat of a gong, and the winner is decided by the position of the mito.
How to take part
Members of the public can take part.
Visitors are informed that they can join the tug-of-war on the day, so they can do more than watch—they can experience pulling the giant rope themselves.
The children’s tug-of-war is also held, so children take part as well. Please follow local guidance on the day’s proceedings and safety.
In 2026, the children’s tug-of-war on June 6 (Saturday) was scheduled to take place in front of the Yobuko Community Center, while the adult tug-of-war on June 7 (Sunday) was scheduled to take place in front of Mikami Shrine.
Visitors are informed that they can join in on the day without prior registration.
For details such as where to register and how to gather, please follow the on-site event information on the day.
Source: みなとの賑わい｜みなとオアシス全国協議会
Location and access
- Venue and address
June 6 is in front of Yobuko Civic Center (1995-1 Yobuko-cho, Karatsu City), and June 7 is in front of Yobuko Mikami Shrine (3143 Yobuko-cho, Karatsu City).
- Train and bus
It takes about 40 minutes by Showa Bus from JR Karatsu or Nishi-Karatsu Station, or from Oteguchi (Karatsu Bus Center).
- By car
About 40 minutes from the Karatsu IC on the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway, or about 60 minutes from the Taku SIC on the Nagasaki Expressway.
- Parking
There are paid parking lots in Yobuko.
Crowds are expected during the event, and visitors are advised to use public transportation.
Address 1995-1 Yobuko-cho, Karatsu City (June 6) / 3143 Yobuko-cho, Karatsu City (June 7)
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 event was held on June 6 (Saturday) and the 7th (Sunday).
The children’s tug-of-war was scheduled for 1 p.m. on the 6th. On the 7th, the adult tug-of-war was scheduled for 1:30 p.m., following events including an opening ceremony at 10:40 a.m.
It is usually held on the first Saturday of June and the Sunday that follows.
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 Saga Prefecture / Karatsu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The tug-of-war takes place on roads in the town center, so please watch the rope’s movement and keep a safe distance from the pullers around the venue.
In 2026, the children’s rope and adults’ rope will be held at different venues, so be sure to check the venue for the day you plan to attend.
Parking in Yobuko is expected to be crowded during the event, and visitors are advised to use public transportation.
Nearby attractions
The event’s related information introduces the Nakao Family Residence, once home to a leading whaling-family head, as a nearby sightseeing spot.
Yobuko is described as an area that prospered as a whaling town, making it a nearby stop where visitors can experience the local culture shared with the Big Tug-of-War.
Other nearby spots are also listed, but no visiting order, distances, or travel times are provided.
佐賀県立名護屋城博物館
佐賀県唐津市にある博物館
写真：Aboshi at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo source ·
名護屋城
佐賀県の城跡
写真：Aboshi at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo source ·
唐津神社
佐賀県唐津市南城内にある神社
末盧館
佐賀県唐津市にある博物館
河村美術館
佐賀県唐津市にある美術館
鏡神社
唐津市にある神社
Origins and History of Yobuko Big Tug-of-War
Several traditions link the origins of the Yobuko Big Tug-of-War to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasions of Korea.
One account says it began when soldiers were made to pull on the ropes of military ships to boost morale while stationed at Nagoya Castle.
In the past, it was held on the fifth-month seasonal festival according to the old lunar calendar. Since Showa 49, it has been held on the first Saturday of June and the Sunday that follows.
Official information
Event information is available on the Yobuko Big Tug-of-War page of Saga Prefecture’s tourism website, “Asobo Saga.”
Information about its designation as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan is available in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties.
The 2026 venue, schedule, fees, and transportation information are compiled in the tourism-site information for that year’s event.
Yobuko Big Tug-of-War at a Glance
The Yobuko Big Tug-of-War is a traditional event in Yobuko in which the Hama and Oka teams pull against each other on a giant rope to divine the prospects for a good catch and harvest.
Visitors can enjoy a program connected to local life, including the children’s tug-of-war, Machimawari, and the adult tug-of-war accompanied by the sound of gongs.
In 2026, it was held on June 6 and the 7th, and visitors were also invited to join in on the day.
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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