Misu Taimatsu Matsuri (Giant Torch Festival) 2026

Dates & time: October 11, 2026 (Sun) 19:00 departure from the otabisho, 20:00 the great torch is lit
cost: Free (watch from the roadside)
Venue & access: Around Misu Kaikan and Takeda-kaido Street, Misu Shrine neighborhood Right by Chushojima Station on the Keihan Main and Uji lines

Calendar

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Why You Should Visit

An autumn festival of Misu Shrine near Chushojima in Fushimi, registered by Kyoto City as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Legend says that when Prince Oama (later Emperor Tenmu) passed through Misu at night during the Jinshin War of 672, local people lit bonfires to light his way. Today a giant torch made from reeds of the Uji River, with a head about 4 m across, is set alight and carried up Takeda-kaido Street ahead of the portable shrine. The festival lapsed after the war and was revived by local residents in 1989. It takes place on an ordinary street a short walk from the station, so you can feel the heat and smoke up close.

Programs

Timetable & Map

NOTE

The great torch

Made from reeds that grow wild along the Uji River; it takes a full year, following the reeds' growth
The core is 4 shaku (about 120 cm) across, and the head that is set alight is 13 shaku (about 4 m) across
It is carried on its side by 32 men, and the head burns out in about 20 minutes
Built and offered mainly by the Hama-Misu young men's group (Taimatsu-kai)

The procession

At the signal of Gion-bayashi music (Takayama float), sword halberds, tall lanterns, hand torches, the great torch and the mikoshi move along Takeda-kaido Street in that order
The mikoshi turns back partway
On the day, protective charms (¥500) and chopsticks (¥700) are offered on Takeda-kaido, including in front of Lawson Fushimi Chushojima

Other rites of the same festival

Sat Oct 17, Yoimiya: from 13:00 at the otabisho, Gion-bayashi, bands, choirs and taiko, plus food stalls. Children's mikoshi and flower umbrellas from 18:30
Sun Oct 18, Kankosai: two lions tour the parish from the morning. Children's procession 13:30, mikoshi sets out 14:00, returns from Misu Kaikan to the otabisho at 19:10, with lanterns lit as dusk falls

History Heritage Culture Art Photo Spots Free Cheap

出典: 三栖の祭り情報ページ（三栖神社祭礼実行委員会）

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FAQ

Where can I see the torch being lit?

The great torch is placed beside Misu Kaikan from 11:00, and at 20:00 it sets out from in front of Misu Kaikan along Takeda-kaido Street.

Is it held on the same date every year?

It is Misu Shrine's autumn procession held every October, but the exact date changes by year. In 2026 it is Sunday, October 11.