Shinkawa Market Festival 2026

• May 5, 2026 at 4:27 am
  Event date:
• May 5, 2026 at 4:28 am
  Event end:

Dates: May 3 (Sunday) – May 5 (Tuesday)
Main Event Day: May 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Tokiwa Street, Central Shopping District, Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Access:

• 10-minute walk from JR Ube Shinkawa Station
• 15-minute drive from Ube IC on the Sanyo Expressway
  Contact: Shinkawa City Festival Executive Committee (Ube Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
  Phone: 0836-31-0251

Festival Highlights

Ube Kitsune’s Wedding Procession

A unique public wedding where a bride and groom, selected through public recruitment, are celebrated in a fox-themed wedding parade through the city center. The event concludes with a wedding ceremony at Nakatsuse Shrine, blending modern charm with deep cultural roots.

Horse Change Lottery (馬替え抽選会)

A traditional lottery dating back to 1919. Shoppers who purchase selected items at participating stores receive a sticker card for a chance to win cash prizes, with a top prize of 10,000 yen.

Power of Greenery and Flowers

A modern interpretation of the traditional plant market, offering seasonal flowers and greenery to browse and purchase.

Shinkawa Marche

A bustling open-air market filled with stalls from local restaurants, retailers, and food trucks. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of gourmet food and local specialties.

Fried Chicken Championship

A culinary competition where local vendors compete to be crowned Ube’s best fried chicken.

Stage Events and Yosakoi Dance

Live performances from local groups, including traditional Yosakoi dance, music, and entertainment throughout the festival.

Working Cars Display

Popular with families, this exhibit includes real emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and public transportation vehicles.

Religious Rituals and Children’s Kagura Dance

Includes a sacred procession of the gods and rituals performed in the city center. Children’s traditional Kagura dance will be held at multiple locations including Shinkawa Bridge, Ginten Plaza, and Showa-cho 1-chome.

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Festival History

The festival dates back to 1798, when a farm tool market was first held around Nakatsuse Shrine. It has since grown into a lively spring celebration of commerce, community, and culture in Ube City.

Why Visit

The Shinkawa Market Festival offers a unique combination of history, local flavor, cultural traditions, and family-friendly fun. With free entry and convenient access, it’s an ideal destination for visitors of all ages during Golden Week.

Location