A festival in Iwakuni held every year on April 29 (Showa Day), and one of Iwakuni’s three major festivals. A daimyo procession and Yakko Dochu footmen’s parade recreating the Edo-period sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) processions cross Kintaikyo Bridge, built in 1673 by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, lord of the Iwakuni domain. There are also demonstrations by the Iwakuni Domain Musketeers and Iwakuni taiko drumming, and watching is free.
The daimyo procession and Yakko Dochu crossing the wooden Kintaikyo Bridge look like a scene from a historical picture scroll. The Iwakuni Domain Musketeers’ demonstration is also powerful. You can also enjoy the scenery of the Nishiki River and Iwakuni Castle in the season of fresh greenery.
2026 information from the Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation (Oidemase Yamaguchi)
Example from 2018 (40th) published in Koho Iwakuni: 13:30–15:30 on a route from Iwakuni Elementary School to Kikko Park. Times and route vary by year, so check that year’s program
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
The festival coincides with the start of Golden Week, so early booking is recommended for accommodation in Iwakuni and Hiroshima City
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
ZooChugoku & Shikoku ・ Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai
A safari-style animal park in the Akiyoshidai area where you can see animals without leaving your car. Besides the Safari Zone that you drive through in your own car, there's a feeding bus that tours by dedicated bus, a Walking Zone where you can interact with animals on foot, and an amusement park with free admission.
AquariumChugoku & Shikoku ・ Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi
A Shimonoseki City aquarium facing the Kanmon Straits. Under the concept Life in the Sea, the Sea and Life, it's known for a tank recreating the Kanmon Straits currents and its world-leading display of about 100 species of pufferfish. It reopened after renovation in August 2025, adding Hireashi Beach, a new California sea lion exhibit.
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
NovemberChugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue
Every year on the 10th to 17th days of the 10th lunar month (varies by year on the modern calendar, usually around November)
2026: Nov 18 (Wed) Kamimukaesai – Nov 25 (Wed) Karasadesai
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
