Matsunoo Taisha Hassaku Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

Matsunoo Taisha in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto holds the Hassaku Festival on the first Sunday of September and the Saturday before, and it is known as the last summer festival of the Kyoto year. Hassaku means the first day of the eighth lunar month, and since 1885 the rite has been held to ward off wind and rain damage and to pray for a good harvest and family safety. Saturday evening brings group taiko drumming and a Bon dance, while Sunday features a women's mikoshi procession by the Yamabuki-kai, sumo throughout the day, Kamikatsura Goryo taiko and the Sagano Rokusai Nenbutsu dance. Dedicated lanterns hang across the grounds on both days and light the approach after dark.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Essentials

location

Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

period

September 5, 2026 (Sat) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)

Time

Sat Sep 5: 17:30 group taiko / 19:00 Bon dance. Sun Sep 6: women's mikoshi departs around 8:00 and returns around 13:30 / sumo all day / 12:00 Kamikatsura Goryo taiko / 15:00 children's mikoshi parade / 16:00 Sagano Rokusai Nenbutsu dance

cost

Free to visit and watch

Links

Kobe · Gluten-free

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

access

Right by Matsuo-taisha Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line; about 40 minutes from Kyoto Station via the subway and Hankyu lines. Parking is limited, and the shrine asks visitors to come by public transport.

REGISTRATION

No booking is needed to watch. Only the baby sumo ring-entry ceremony requires advance application, handled by the Kyoto Prefecture Sumo Federation. Dedicating a lantern also requires an application.

NOTE

Both days

Children's painted-lantern exhibition
Dedicated lanterns hang across the grounds and are lit after dark

*Parking is limited.

FAQ

Is it free to watch?

Visiting and watching are free. The shrine does not announce any admission or viewing fee for the festival.

What time can I see the Rokusai Nenbutsu and the women's mikoshi?

The Sagano Rokusai Nenbutsu dance starts at 16:00 on September 6. The women's mikoshi leaves the grounds around 8:00 the same day and returns around 13:30.

Is it enjoyable with children?

Yes. There is a children's mikoshi parade at 15:00 on September 6 and an exhibition of children's painted lanterns, plus the baby sumo ring-entry ceremony. Taking part in the baby ceremony requires an advance application to the Kyoto Prefecture Sumo Federation.

Is there parking?

Parking is limited and the shrine asks visitors to come by public transport. Matsuo-taisha Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line is right by the grounds.

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

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