25th Kanaya Nostalgic Festival (Ikuno) 2026

Why You Should Visit

An annual festival that turns the streets of Ikuno — the town that grew rich on the Ikuno Silver Mine — into a trip back to its busiest days. ('Kanaya' is how the kanji 銀谷 is read here.) This year marks 150 years since the opening of the Silver Carriage Road, now part of a Japan Heritage story. Highlights include a rare special opening of the Ikuno Mining headquarters and the Ikuno Mining Club guesthouse, a mini 'one-yen' train, classic cars and Midget three-wheelers, a townscape photo exhibition and food trucks along the old streets of this Japan Heritage mining town.

Essentials

location

Kajiyamachi-dori and Miyamachi-dori, Ikuno, Asago

period

September 27, 2026 (Sun)

Time

10:00〜15:00

cost

Free to attend (food trucks and shopping are paid)

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

About a 5-minute walk from JR Ikuno Station on the Bantan Line. Drivers are directed to the free temporary car park at Ikuno Elementary School's ground.

NOTE

Main programme

Special opening of the Ikuno Mining headquarters, a modern industrial heritage site (free direct bus on the day)
Special opening of the Ikuno Mining Club guesthouse
Mini 'one-yen' train, Midget plaza and classic car plaza
Nostalgic Kanaya Street and food truck plaza
Letter-collecting walking game (participation gift for the first 300)
Painting and currency exhibitions by Tanyo Shinkin Bank
Townscape photo exhibition, street-corner gallery and festival poster exhibition
Photos with Hayabu the pony
Ikuno Shoin special exhibition on the Silver Carriage Road and mine tramways, plus film screenings and talks by Jiro Fujiwara (11:00 / 13:00)
Izutsuya: shakuhachi performances by Martin Deveney (11:00, 14:00) with instruments on sale, and a saori weaving exhibition
Events also at the Kuchi-Kanaya Ginzanmachi Museum Center and the former mine staff housing / Takashi Shimura Memorial Hall

Free shuttle bus

Runs on the day only from JR Ikuno Station towards the Ikuno Silver Mine
There is no parking at the mining headquarters, so visitors are asked to use the shuttle (get off at Mitsubishi Materials)

Parking on the day

Free: Ikuno Elementary School ground (approx. 150), Yamagami Shrine (approx. 150), Ikuno Mine Hall lots 1 and 2 (approx. 30 each), beside Ikuno Kodomo-en (approx. 24), Karamiishi Park (15), Hinata-dori (approx. 15) and others
Paid: municipal Ikuno Station North car park (approx. 15)

On the day

Goes ahead in light rain. Events may change or be cancelled depending on the weather
Alcohol is sold on site

※Enquiries: Asago City Tourist Information Center, 079-679-2222

FAQ

What happens if it rains?

It goes ahead in light rain. Individual events may change or be cancelled depending on the weather, so check the Ikuno branch of the Asago Tourism Association's festival page on the day.

Can I drive there?

Yes. Free temporary car parks open on the day, including Ikuno Elementary School's ground (approx. 150 cars) and Yamagami Shrine (approx. 150). The mining headquarters opening has no parking, so use the free shuttle from Ikuno Station.

What is the Silver Carriage Road?

It is the carriage road tied to the Ikuno Silver Mine, recognised as part of the Japan Heritage story 'Silver Carriage Road and Ore Road'. The 2026 festival celebrates 150 years since it opened.

Calendar

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