Niihama Taiko Festival 2026

• October 16, 2026 at 9:25 pm
  Event date:
• October 18, 2026 at 9:25 pm
  Event end:

One of Ehime’s Most Powerful Harvest Celebrations

• Dates: Thursday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Location: Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku
• Main Attractions: Giant taiko drum floats, Kakikurabe lifting competitions, Funamiyuki (floats entering the sea), traditional embroidery

Overview

The Niihama Taiko Festival is one of the three major festivals in Ehime Prefecture, with roots going back more than 1,000 years. Known locally as the “Men’s Festival” (Otoko-matsuri), the event celebrates the autumn harvest with towering taiko drum floats paraded and lifted by hundreds of men through the streets of Niihama City. Each float, called a taiko-dai, is 5.5 meters tall, 12 meters long, and weighs about 2.5–3 tons. Decorated with embroidered gold-thread futon-jime featuring fierce dragon motifs, they’re both spiritual offerings and stunning artistic showcases.

Festival Highlights

Kakikurabe (Float-Lifting Competition)

• Teams of 150 men lift massive taiko-dai onto their shoulders without wheels.
• Competitions are held in multiple zones across the city.
• Intensity, synchronization, and physical strength are on full display.
• Known for spectacular float clashes and dramatic scenes.

Funamiyuki (Sea Procession)

• On rare occasions, floats are carried into the sea as an offering for good harvests from the ocean.
• Not guaranteed every year but is a powerful sight when it happens.

Children’s Floats

• Smaller three-meter taiko-dai carried by children.
• A way to pass down cultural heritage to the next generation.

Float Decorations

• Each float has unique futon-jime on all four sides, embroidered with dragons and mythical creatures.
• Floats are handcrafted by local artisans using traditional techniques passed down for centuries.

Schedule

October 16–18, 2026 Events take place across all eight districts of Niihama. 54 floats in total will parade and participate in kakikurabe. Common venues include:

• Yamane Park
• Ikku Shrine
• Niihama riverside parks
• Niihama commercial centers

Admission

• General Admission: Free
• Paid Seats: Limited viewing seats near areas like Ikku Shrine (typically ¥3,000–¥4,000); may be more expensive if bought on the day.

Location & Access

Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture Closest station: JR Niihama Station (Yosan Line)

• Most venues are within a 5 km radius of the station.
• Free shuttle buses operate between popular viewing sites like Yamane Park.
• Expect heavy traffic restrictions during parade times.

Directions to Ikkunomori Museum: From JR Niihama Station, take the Setouchi Bus for 4 minutes. Get off at Shiyakusho-mae Stop, then walk for 20 minutes.

Safety & Visitor Tips

• Keep a safe distance during float clashes — some collisions are intentional and part of the show.
• Do not enter barricaded areas or cross float paths.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes — you’ll be moving across parks and streets.
• Restrooms and food stalls are available, but public toilets may be limited near some venues.

Organizer Contact

Niihama Tourism and Products Association 2-3-45 Sakaicho, Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture 792-0812 Phone: 0897-32-4028 Fax: 0897-32-7808 Website: https://niihama.info/feature/article/1

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