Matsukawa Tarai Race 2025

Event date:
July 6, 2025 at 5:53 pm
Event end:
July 6, 2025 at 5:54 pm

The Matsukawa Tarai Race is a delightfully quirky and exciting summer event held in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This long-standing tradition, dating back to 1956, transforms the scenic Matsukawa River into a stage for high-spirited competition featuring tarai-bune—traditional wooden “tub boats” once used for fishing.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Venue: Matsukawa River (From Ideyu Bridge to Matsukawa Wisteria Square)
Address: 1 Nagisacho, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Admission: Free
Advance Booking: Required
Contact: Ito City Tourist Information Center
Phone: 0557-37-6105

Schedule

9:00 AM – Registration begins
9:45 AM – Opening ceremony
10:00 AM – Races start

Access

By Public Transport:

About 10 minutes on foot from JR Ito Station

Parking:

Available

What to Expect

This fun-filled event involves participants climbing into large wooden tubs approximately one meter in diameter, then paddling frantically with small scoop-like oars to cross a 400-meter course. It’s a playful and chaotic sight as people try to balance and steer their tubs down the river from Ideyu Bridge to Wisteria Square.

Race Categories

Team Races – Groups of friends or families team up for glory.
International Races – Welcoming participants from around the world.
Kids’ Races – Only for young contestants, full of charm and energy.

Festival Atmosphere

The event is not just about competition—it’s about fun, laughter, and bringing the community together. Held in the heart of a hot spring town, the Matsukawa Tarai Race adds a festive charm to summer in Ito, blending local tradition with spirited entertainment.

Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just passing by, the Tarai Race is a light-hearted, must-see spectacle perfect for families and tourists alike.