Shimonita Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

Shimonita Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

The Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival is a historic event that has been held for over 180 years, dating back to around 1842 (the 13th year of the Tenpō era in the Edo period).
Originally centered around portable shrines (mikoshi), the festival evolved into a grand celebration featuring elaborately decorated festival floats (dashi) from each district, starting from the late Meiji period (1906) through the early Showa era.

The highlight of the event includes traditional music performances (ohayashi), dance presentations, and the float competition (seriba), where the float handlers (kajikata) show off their skills.

The annual autumn tradition, the Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival, will be held over two days: Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12.
Come and experience the vibrant atmosphere up close—with gorgeously decorated floats, mechanical dolls, dynamic float competitions, and captivating musical performances.

October 11 (Sat)

Float Parade

13:40 Departure Ceremony (at Suwa Shrine), Parade through the town
16:30〜17:30 Dinner break
17:30 Parade through the pedestrian-only area — Highlight for float handlers (kajikata)
20:20 Closing Ceremony (at the T-junction in front of Gunma Bank)

October 12 (Sun)

Mikoshi Procession

8:00 Mikoshi departs from the shrine, travels throughout the town
10:30 Mikoshi returns to the shrine

Float Parade

13:40 Departure Ceremony (at Suwa Shrine), Parade through the town
16:00〜17:00 Dinner break
17:00 Parade through the pedestrian-only area — Highlight for float handlers (kajikata)
19:35 Musical Dance Performance (at Suwa Shrine) — Each town presents its ohayashi performance
20:10 Final Hand-Clapping Ceremony (at Suwa Shrine)

Traffic Restrictions

October 11 (Sat)3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
October 12 (Sun)3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Certain Areas2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Please refer to the Traffic Restriction Map)

Request for Cooperation

During the restricted hours, no general vehicle traffic will be permitted.
We kindly ask for the understanding and cooperation of all residents, especially those within the restricted areas.
Both drivers and pedestrians must follow the instructions of police officers and traffic control staff.

Please note that we are not responsible for any thefts or accidents that may occur in or around the parking areas.
The use of drones (for flying or filming) is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized.