Shimonita Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

Shimonita Autumn Festival

The Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival is a traditional event with a history of 180 years, dating back to the Edo period, around the 12th year of Tenpo (1842). Initially, it was centered around the portable shrine (mikoshi), but during the Meiji 39th year to the early Showa period, floats (dashi) were created in each district. The festival is now celebrated as a mikoshi and dashi festival centered around Suwa Shrine. The highlights include the traditional festival music (ohayashi), dance performances, and the float showdown, showcasing the skills of the float handlers (kajikata).
The annual “Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival” will be held on both October 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun).
Please enjoy the experience of the grand and luxurious floats, dolls, the dynamic float showdown, and the competitive festival music performances up close.

October 12 (Sat)

Float (dashi) Procession

13:40: Departure Ceremony (In front of Suwa Shrine) – Procession through the town
16:30-17:30: Dinner Break
17:30: Procession in the pedestrian zone (float showdown at various locations)
– A showcase of kajikata skills.
19:00: Fireworks Display
20:20: Dissolution Ceremony (Konjac Experience Dojo)

October 13 (Sun)

Mikoshi Procession

08:00: Shrine Departure – Procession throughout the town
11:20: Shrine Return

Float (dashi) Procession

13:35: Departure Ceremony (Konjac Experience Dojo) – Procession through the town
14:00: Float Procession Start
16:00-17:00: Dinner Break
17:00: Procession in the pedestrian zone (float showdown at various locations) – A showcase of kajikata skills.
18:50: Suwa Shrine Arrival
19:25: Ohayashi Grand Dance (Performance of festival music by all 7 towns)
20:10: Handclap Ceremony (In front of Suwa Shrine)

Traffic Restrictions

October 12 (Sat) 15:00-21:00
October 13 (Sun) 14:00-21:00
Partial Restrictions: 14:00-16:00 (Refer to Traffic Restriction Map)

Request for Cooperation

During the restriction hours, general vehicles are not allowed to pass through.
We particularly ask for the understanding and cooperation of residents within the restricted areas.
Please follow the instructions of police officers and traffic guides for vehicle and pedestrian passage.
We are not responsible for any theft or accidents in parking lots.
The flight and photography of drones are generally prohibited.