The most important festival at Ise Grand Shrine, in which the first rice of the year's harvest is offered to the sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami in thanks for the harvest. It is the centerpiece of the roughly 1,500 ceremonies held at the shrine each year, and together with the Tsukinami-sai in June and December is known as one of the "Sansetsu-sai" (three major festivals). Rites are held late at night into the following day, first at the Geku (Outer Shrine) and then at the Naiku (Inner Shrine), and local people also make offerings of new rice in the Hatsuhobiki procession.
At the noon Hohei, you can watch from the approach as the imperial envoy, the Emperor's messenger, presents offerings (heihaku) and priests advance in a solemn procession. In the Hatsuhobiki, people in matching happi coats sing kiyari work songs as they pull carts and sleds loaded with new rice; the river procession up the Isuzu River is especially impressive.
October 15, 2026. A night rite held after visiting hours, so it cannot be viewed
October 16, 2026. Held at night, so it cannot be viewed
October 16, 2026. Rites during visiting hours can be viewed respectfully from the approach and other areas
October 16, 2026
October 16, 2026. Held at night, so it cannot be viewed
October 17, 2026. Held at night, so it cannot be viewed
October 17, 2026. Rites during visiting hours can be viewed respectfully from the approach and other areas
October 17, 2026
October 15, 2026 (carts 1 and 2: around 9:30–12:30; cart 3: around 13:00–15:00)
October 16, 2026. From Urata Bridge via Uji Bridge to the Naiku
Ise Grand Shrine official
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
The Kanname-sai period overlaps with the autumn travel season, and accommodation in Ise fills up on weekends. Staying in Toba, Shima or Matsusaka is another option
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumKansai ・ Ise & Shima
An aquarium facing Toba Bay that claims the largest number of species kept in Japan (about 1,200). It's the only aquarium in Japan where you can see a dugong, and its sea otters and walruses are also popular. The building is all-weather, and it's within walking distance of JR/Kintetsu Toba Station.
Theme parkKansai ・ Ise & Shima
A Spain-themed park in Ise-Shima. From thrilling roller coasters to rides for kids, parades, and flamenco shows, it offers a full day of fun. A hotel and the Himawari no Yu hot spring are also on site.
JanuaryKansai ・ Nara
Usually the fourth Saturday of January (fireworks from around 18:15 in the evening, ignition around 18:30)
January–FebruaryKansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen
Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)
2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7
FebruaryKansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)
Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)
MarchKansai ・ Nara
Every year, March 1–14 (Otaimatsu nightly around 19:00; 19:30 on the 12th, 18:30 on the 14th)
2027 (the 1,276th): Mar 1 – Mar 14
AprilKansai ・ Osaka
Usually 7 days in early to mid-April (dates set according to the bloom)
MayKansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May
2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)
May–OctoberKansai ・ Kyoto City
Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15
JulyKansai ・ Kyoto City
Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)
JulyKansai ・ Osaka
Every year on July 24 (Yoimiya) and 25 (Hongu). Related events from late June
2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)
JulyKansai ・ Shirahama & Nanki
Every year on July 14 (held during the day; Yoimiya offering events are also held the day before, on the 13th)
2027: Jul 14 (held every year on July 14)
AugustKansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on August 16 (from 20:00)
2027: Aug 16 (Mon)
AugustKansai ・ Koyasan
Every year on August 13 (the candle festival runs from evening into the night; the Mando Kuyo-e memorial service starts at 20:00)
2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)
AugustKansai ・ Lake Biwa
Usually a weekday evening in early August (about 1 hour)
September–OctoberKansai ・ Osaka
The September festival is usually on a weekend in mid- to late September, and the October festival on a weekend in early to mid-October (2 days each)
Next: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20
OctoberKansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on October 22 (postponed to the 23rd if it rains)
2026: Oct 22 (Thu). Postponed to Oct 23 if it rains
October–NovemberKansai ・ Nara
Usually late October to early November (about 2–3 weeks)
2026 (78th): Oct 24 – Nov 9, open every day during the exhibition
DecemberKansai ・ Nara
Usually December 15–18 (the Owatari-shiki starts at noon on December 17)
2026: Dec 15 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri); Owatari-shiki on Dec 17 (Thu)
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: 2026-09-30
