In the 10th lunar month, the countless deities of Japan (yaoyorozu no kami) are said to gather in Izumo, where this month is called Kamiarizuki, ‘the month with gods.’ At Izumo Taisha, rituals continue from the Kamimukae Shinji and Kamimukaesai, welcoming the deities at Inasa Beach, through the Kamiarisai and Enmusubi Taisai (matchmaking festival), to the Karasadesai, which sees the deities off.
PRKlookShimane PassA value pass that lets you choose 3 sights, experiences or meals in Shimane Prefecture, including Matsue Castle and Yuushien GardenView on KlookPRKlookMatsue Castle Admission Ticket (Shimane)Enter the keep of Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s 12 surviving original castle keepsView on KlookA striking sight is the Kamimukae Shinji procession: a sacred fire is lit on Inasa Beach at night, and the deities, welcomed into a himorogi (sacred sakaki branch), are led to Izumo Taisha by tall lanterns and music, together with worshippers. Kamiarisai rituals are also held on their own schedules at Asayama Shrine, Hinomisaki Shrine and Mankusen Shrine in Izumo City.
November 18 in 2026 (10th day of the 10th lunar month). A sacred fire is lit at Inasa Beach and the ritual lasts about 20–30 minutes, followed by a procession to Izumo Taisha. Official information for 2026
November 19 in 2026. Official information for 2026
November 23 in 2026. Official information for 2026
November 25 in 2026. Official information for 2026
November 25 in 2026 (17th day of the 10th lunar month). The second Karasadesai is on December 4 at 16:00. Official information for 2026
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
PRKlookShimane PassA value pass that lets you choose 3 sights, experiences or meals in Shimane Prefecture, including Matsue Castle and Yuushien GardenView on KlookPRKlookMatsue Castle Admission Ticket (Shimane)Enter the keep of Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s 12 surviving original castle keepsView on KlookDuring Kamiarisai, especially on weekends, accommodation around Izumo Taisha gets busy. Book early or consider staying in Matsue or around Izumoshi Station
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ZooChugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue
A flower and bird themed park spread over hills on the shore of Lake Shinji. Its 320,000㎡ grounds include display greenhouses totaling 12,000㎡, and the main facilities are linked by covered walkways, so you can get around without an umbrella even on rainy days. The Ichibata Electric Railway station connects directly to the park.
April
May
July–AugustChugoku & Shikoku ・ Hiroshima & Miyajima
Every year on the 17th day of the 6th lunar month (between July and early August on the modern calendar, depending on the year)
August
AugustChugoku & Shikoku ・ Tottori
Every year August 13–15 (eve festival on the 13th, mass umbrella dance on the 14th, Civic Summer Fireworks Festival on the 15th)
AugustChugoku & Shikoku ・ Kochi & Shimanto
Every year August 9–12 (eve festival on the 9th, main festival on the 10th and 11th, national contest and after-party on the 12th)
OctoberChugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima
Every year October 9–11 (mikoshi procession on the night of the 10th, return procession on the night of the 11th)
2026 (Reiwa 8): Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 11 (Sun); mikoshi procession from 21:00 on the 10th
OctoberChugoku & Shikoku ・ Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen
Every year October 5–7 (Yoimiya on the 5th, main festival on the 6th, Honmiya on the 7th; the hachiawase in front of Dogo Onsen Station is early in the morning of the 7th)
2026: Oct 5 (Mon) – Oct 7 (Wed); hachiawase in front of Dogo Onsen Station early in the morning of the 7th
Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
