Arakawa Shrine Autumn Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

One of the Banshu autumn festivals, known locally as the Koimo Festival, with floats from six districts: Machotsubo, Nakaji, Tadera, Okada, Inokuchi and Nishijo. The highlight on the main day is the stone stairway in the shrine grounds: each district carries its yatai up the steps to the main hall, then brings it down the steep Iroha slope before the closing clash of floats. Carrying the floats up and down the steps gives this festival a different kind of tension from those held on flat ground. Watching is free on both the eve and the main day.

Essentials

location

Arakawa Shrine and its parish districts, Inokuchi, Himeji

period

October 17, 2026 (Sat) - October 18, 2026 (Sun)

cost

Free to watch

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

From Himeji Station (JR / Sanyo Electric Railway) take Shinki Bus route 17 to the Inokuchi stop, then about 3 minutes' walk west. Roads are closed during the festival, so public transport is the reliable option.

NOTE

Main day, typical flow

Around 9:00 Children's mikoshi and the floats enter the shrine

Around 11:00 Each district carries its float up the stone steps to the main hall

Afterwards The floats descend the steep Iroha slope for the closing clash

The six districts

Machotsubo / Nakaji / Tadera / Okada / Inokuchi / Nishijo

* These are typical times. Check the Arakawa Shrine website for the 2026 schedule and route.

FAQ

Why is it called the Koimo Festival?

It is the name locals have long used for Arakawa Shrine's autumn festival. The formal name is the autumn grand festival, held over an eve day and a main day.

When do the floats go up the steps?

Typically around 11:00 on the main day. Check the Arakawa Shrine website for the exact 2026 time.

Can I go by car?

Roads around the shrine are closed during the festival. Taking Shinki Bus route 17 from Himeji Station to Inokuchi is the reliable way.

Calendar

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