Matsuri BiyoriCalendar of Japan's UNESCO-listed festivals
Scene from Ueno Tenjin Festival Danjiri Float Event
Photo: Yasutaro（靖太郎） / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Yama, Hoko, Yatai
Calculated

Ueno Tenjin Festival Danjiri Float Event

Japanese name: 上野天神祭のダンジリ行事（うえのてんじんまつりのだんじりぎょうじ）

Iga, Mie

2026

  • Fri, Oct 23 – Sun, Oct 25

2027

  • Fri, Oct 22

    Yoiyoiyama (two days before)

  • Sat, Oct 23

    Ashizoroe ceremony and yoiyama (eve)

  • Sun, Oct 24

    Main festival (shinkosai procession)

Check with the organizers or local government
ABOUT

About the festival

This is the autumn festival of Sugawara Shrine (Ueno Tenjin-gu) in Iga City, said to have more than 400 years of tradition. Following the mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, a procession of people wearing oni (demon) masks and nine danjiri floats, each led by its town's emblem, tour the castle town. At night, danjiri lit with lanterns and paper lamps can also be seen.

  • The oni procession of strange-looking demons

  • Nine danjiri floats moving through the castle town

  • Danjiri lit with lanterns and paper lamps at night

DETAILS

Key facts

Category
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals
Location
Iga, Mie
Main venue
Sugawara Shrine (Ueno Tenjin-gu) and the old castle town of Iga
Getting there
The venue is the town center, right next to Uenoshi Station on the Iga Railway.

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 Ueno Tenjin Festival Danjiri Float Event held in 2027?
In 2027, it is scheduled for Fri, Oct 22 – Sun, Oct 24 (Calculated from the usual rule).
Where is Ueno Tenjin Festival Danjiri Float Event held?
It is held in Iga, Mie. The main venue is Sugawara Shrine (Ueno Tenjin-gu) and the old castle town of Iga.
How are the dates of Ueno Tenjin Festival Danjiri Float Event set?
The Sunday on or before October 25 and closest to it (main festival), plus the two days before (since 2017; the annual rite itself remains on October 25)