A Kochi summer festival that began in 1954 to shake off an economic slump and lift the spirits of the city’s people. Teams holding naruko wooden clappers dance their way through the city’s competition and performance venues with creative costumes, music and choreography; about 200 teams and some 20,000 dancers take part.
PRKlookKochi Hirome Market 1.5-Hour Private Food TourExplore Hirome Market with an English-speaking guide and sample Kochi flavorsView on KlookPRKlookKochi Castle & Makino Botanical Garden Half-Day History and Culture TourA guided tour meeting at Harimaya Bridge, visiting Kochi Castle, the Makino Botanical Garden and moreView on KlookThe highlights are the speed of the teams dancing forward while clacking their naruko to music from the colorful jikata-sha music trucks leading each team, and each team’s distinctive costumes and choreography. Besides the main venue on Otesuji, you can come across the dancing all around the city, in shopping arcades, around Harimaya Bridge and elsewhere.
August 9. Fireworks over the Kagami River the same day, 19:45–21:00. Official information for 2026
August 10 and 11. Official information for 2026. Times may change due to weather and other factors
August 10 and 11. Official information for 2026. May change depending on how the day progresses
August 12. Opening ceremony at Kochi Castle 12:30–13:00. Official information for 2026
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
PRKlookKochi Hirome Market 1.5-Hour Private Food TourExplore Hirome Market with an English-speaking guide and sample Kochi flavorsView on KlookPRKlookKochi Castle & Makino Botanical Garden Half-Day History and Culture TourA guided tour meeting at Harimaya Bridge, visiting Kochi Castle, the Makino Botanical Garden and moreView on KlookAccommodation in Kochi City gets extremely busy from August 9 to 12, so early booking is recommended
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PR8.5Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumChugoku & Shikoku ・ Kochi & Shimanto
An aquarium inside Katsurahama Park, right in front of Katsurahama, one of Kochi's most famous scenic spots. It keeps about 4,000 creatures of around 220 species, and most of the facility is an open-air outdoor area with views of Katsurahama Beach and Tosa Bay. You can also bring your pet inside.
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)
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
