Usuki Hachiman Shrine Lantern Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

The autumn festival of Usuki Hachiman Shrine in Aboshi, Himeji, held every October 21–22. One of the largest of the Banshu autumn festivals, it is nicknamed the Lantern Festival and brings out 18 yatai floats, four danjiri carts, a lion-dance cart and three mikoshi. The highlight is the eve-night lantern clash in front of the tower gate, where seven villages smash tall paper lanterns against one another. On the main day, floats are hoisted with shouts of 'Chosa!' at the otabisho, followed by lion dances and danjiri performances before the whole procession returns to the shrine. A Hyogo Prefecture designated intangible folk cultural property.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Essentials

location

Usuki Hachiman Shrine and the otabisho area (Aboshi, Himeji)

period

October 21, 2026 (Wed) - October 22, 2026 (Thu)

Time

Oct 21 (Wed) Eve: lantern clash from around 19:00, mikoshi procession from around 22:00 / Oct 22 (Thu) Main day: around 9:00–20:00 (typical times; the 2026 timetable will be posted on the shrine's site)

cost

Free to watch

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 15 minutes' walk north from Sanyo Aboshi Station (Sanyo Electric Railway). Temporary parking is very limited; the shrine asks visitors to use public transport.

NOTE

What comes out

3 mikoshi
18 yatai floats (18 villages)
4 danjiri carts (about 3.5 t each)
1 lion-dance cart with a rising roof that rotates 90 degrees

Traffic control (2023)

Roads around the shrine closed Oct 21 15:00–23:00 and Oct 22 8:30–24:00
No bicycle parking in front of the main gate; use designated areas

Visitor notes

Grounds and streets get extremely crowded; strollers are dangerous and cannot be left at the shrine office
Children get lost every year; keep them close

* Times shift. Each year's timetable, float order, danjiri order and viewing map are posted on the shrine's site about a month before the festival.

FAQ

When and where can I see the lantern clash?

On the eve, October 21, from around 19:00 in front of the shrine's tower gate and along the approach. Seven villages clash tall lanterns there, so the gate area gets especially packed.

Where is the best place to see the floats and danjiri on the main day?

In the morning the otabisho hosts the float hoisting, lion dance and danjiri performances. The procession returns to the shrine after midday, and in the evening the danjiri perform in front of the tower gate. A placement map is posted on the shrine's site each year.

Can I bring small children?

Yes, but the grounds and streets get very crowded and the shrine warns that strollers are dangerous (they cannot be left at the office). Children get lost every year, so keep hold of them.

Can I drive there?

The shrine car park is closed during the festival and temporary lots are very limited. Roads around the shrine are also closed, so the shrine asks visitors to come by public transport.

Calendar

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

Google Calendar Apple Calendar (.ics)

We hope it gives you a reason to head out together.

X FB LINE

Events

Events nearby & around the same time

Other events happening around the same time or in a similar area.

View Recommended Events →

9/19

Himejikko Banpaku 2026

Himeji General Welfare Hall, 5F (Himeji)

10/14 - 10/15

Nada Fighting Festival 2026

Matsubara Hachiman Shrine and Otabiyama area

10/14 - 10/15

Oshio Tenmangu Autumn Festival 2026

Oshio Tenmangu Shrine

9/5 - 9/6

Himeji Summer Festival 2026

Otemae Park, in front of Himeji Castle

9/20

Hime Marche Fest 2026

Himeji Central Wholesale Market

Events

What to do in Kobe this weekend?

View Recommended Events →

5/2 - 3/20

Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks 2026–27 | Weekend Fireworks off Meriken Park

Meriken Park

7/30 - 9/30

Miffy × Kobe Port Tower: Night Time

Kobe Port Tower and venues across the Kobe waterfront

8/1 - 9/30

KOBE MOON HOPPING 2026

Participating venues around Sannomiya, Kobe (one in Tarumi Ward)

9/6

VAMOS Ninomiya Autumn Festival 2026

Ninomiya Shopping Street and surrounding area (Chuo-ku, Kobe)

9/9 - 9/14

13th Kobe-Ichi Local Fair, Sep 9–14

Daimaru Kobe, 9F Event Hall & special area beside the escalators

9/19 - 9/20

Kobe Coffee Village | Seaside Coffee Festival

Big Roof Plaza, Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe

Explore

Explore More of Kobe

View All Features →

Sightseeing

Top Sightseeing Spots in Kobe

Local News

Kobe Local News

Openings & Closings

Kobe Shop Openings & Closings