Why You Should Visit
Matsubara Hachiman Shrine's annual autumn festival, held every October 14–15 in Himeji. Seven districts bring ornate floats to the shrine on the first day; the main day features three portable shrines colliding in a dramatic ritual and powerful float processions.
Essentials
- location
- Matsubara Hachiman Shrine and Otabiyama area
- period
- October 14, 2026 (Wed) - October 15, 2026 (Thu)
- Time
- Varies by ceremony (early morning to evening)
- cost
- Free to visit and watch from public viewing areas
- Links
- Kobe · Gluten-free
- access
- About 5 min south on foot from Shirahamanomiya Station on the Sanyo Railway to Matsubara Hachiman Shrine. Limited express trains are expected to make special stops during the festival. No parking is available. Otabiyama is about 15 min west of the shrine on foot.
- NOTE
Oct 14: district floats tour their neighborhoods, enter Matsubara Hachiman Shrine and perform float-lifting displays.
Oct 15: early-morning purification, the collision ritual of three portable shrines, the procession to Otabiyama and district float performances.
Heavy crowds and traffic restrictions are expected; check the official site for the latest schedule and map.
Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)There are 1 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Matsubara Hachiman Shrine and Otabiyama area. The map shows each with its walking time.
Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.
FAQ
When is the festival held each year?
Can I go by car?
Calendar
Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.
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