Matsuri BiyoriCalendar of Japan's UNESCO-listed festivals

A shared illustration for this type of festival, not this festival itself. Photos are welcome.

Yama, Hoko, Yatai
Calculated

Otsu Festival Hikiyama Float Event

Japanese name: 大津祭の曳山行事（おおつまつりのひきやまぎょうじ）

Otsu, Shiga

2027

  • Sat, Oct 9

    Eve festival

  • Sun, Oct 10

    Main festival

ABOUT

About the festival

This event is held at the annual festival of Tenson Shrine (Shinomiya Shrine) in Otsu. The first float is said to have been built in 1635, and today thirteen floats made in the Edo period take part in the procession. The floats carry karakuri puppets, and the procession stops many times along the way to perform karakuri known as shomo. It was added to the Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals inscription in 2025.

  • Shomo, the karakuri performances given along the route

  • Thirteen floats moving through town to the konchikichin sound of festival music

  • Float puppets and ornaments displayed in townhouses on the eve

DETAILS

Key facts

Category
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals
Location
Otsu, Shiga
Main venue
Tenson Shrine and the old neighborhoods of central Otsu
Getting there
About a 5-minute walk from JR Otsu Station to Tenson Shrine.

Sources

This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.

FAQ

FAQ

When is Otsu Festival Hikiyama Float Event held in 2027?
In 2027, it is scheduled for Sat, Oct 9 – Sun, Oct 10 (Calculated from the usual rule).
Where is Otsu Festival Hikiyama Float Event held?
It is held in Otsu, Shiga. The main venue is Tenson Shrine and the old neighborhoods of central Otsu.
How are the dates of Otsu Festival Hikiyama Float Event set?
Two days before Sports Day (eve festival) and the day before Sports Day (main festival)