The most important festival of Kotohiragu Shrine, affectionately known as ‘Konpira-san,’ held over three days from October 9 to 11. On the night of the 10th, in the ‘Osagari,’ when the deity descends from Mt. Zozu to the shrine town, a procession of about 600 people accompanies the mikoshi portable shrine for about 2 km from the main shrine to the Otabisho.
PRKlookJR All Shikoku Rail Pass (3, 4, 5 or 7 Days)Unlimited rides on JR Shikoku trains and Kotoden. Handy for traveling to Kotohira from Takamatsu or OkayamaView on KlookPRKlookPrivate Charter Day Tour from TakamatsuAn 8-hour private tour visiting Kotohiragu, the Naruto whirlpools and more, tailored to your preferencesView on KlookThe highlight is the procession on the night of the 10th. Led by Shinto priests and the tonin, children riding horses and palanquins, a procession of about 600 people slowly descends the approach and the shrine town at night with the mikoshi. In the daytime, a solemn annual festival ritual is held at the main shrine.
October 9, main shrine. Official Kotohiragu information for 2026 (Reiwa 8)
October 10. Official information for 2026
October 10. Departs the main shrine at 21:00, scheduled to pass in front of Kinryo no Sato around 22:30 and arrive at the Otabisho around 23:00. Official information for 2026
October 11. After the 16:00 Kankosai ritual, from the Otabisho back to the main shrine. Official information for 2026
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
PRKlookJR All Shikoku Rail Pass (3, 4, 5 or 7 Days)Unlimited rides on JR Shikoku trains and Kotoden. Handy for traveling to Kotohira from Takamatsu or OkayamaView on KlookPRKlookPrivate Charter Day Tour from TakamatsuAn 8-hour private tour visiting Kotohiragu, the Naruto whirlpools and more, tailored to your preferencesView on KlookThe procession continues until late at night, so staying in Kotohira makes it easier to watch
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PR9.1Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Botanical gardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima
A feudal lord's garden in central Takamatsu, designated a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty. With 6 ponds and 13 artificial hills, and Mt. Shiun and its pine forest behind it as borrowed scenery, it offers views that change with every step. It opens early in the morning, making it good for a morning stroll.
AquariumChugoku & Shikoku ・ Utazu, Kagawa
An aquarium that opened in Utazu, Kagawa Prefecture, in 2020. Themed on Shikoku Waterscapes, it recreates the waters surrounding Shikoku, including the Seto Inland Sea, the Pacific Ocean with the Kuroshio Current, and clear rivers such as the Shimanto and Niyodo, in about 70 waterscape exhibits. It's about a 12-minute walk from JR Utazu Station.
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 ・ 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
