Sakoshi Boat Festival 2026｜10/11(Sun) Access & Fees

Why You Should Visit

The festival of Osake Shrine in Sakoshi, Ako, held on the second Sunday of October. A tradition of Sakoshi, once a thriving port for salt-carrying ships, it is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and one of the Seto Inland Sea's three great boat festivals, alongside Osaka's Tenjin Matsuri and Miyajima's Kangensai. After the rite at the shrine, the mikoshi and lion dancers parade down to the shore, then a dozen or so boats hung with flags and banners carry the deity to the resting place on Ikishima, a national natural monument. After sunset the boats light their lanterns and return.

Essentials

location

Osake Shrine, Sakoshi Bay and Ikishima Island

period

October 11, 2026 (Sun)

Time

Afternoon to after sunset (2026 times not yet announced)

cost

No viewing fee information published

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

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

NOTE

Festival flow

Lion dancers and the portable shrine process from Osake Shrine down to Sakoshi beach
A dozen or so wooden boats decorated with flags and banners sail to the resting place on Ikishima Island
After sunset the lantern-lit fleet returns to the shrine

Cultural properties

National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
A component of two Japan Heritage stories: the Kitamaebune ports of call and the history of salt making

FAQ

When is it held each year?

On the second Sunday of October every year. In 2026 that is Sunday, October 11.

When is the best time to watch?

The two highlights are the boat procession to the Ikishima resting place after the shrine rite, and the lantern-lit return after sunset. Times for 2026 have not been announced.

Who can I contact for details?

Sakoshi Osake Shrine (0791-48-8136).

Calendar

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