Product Description

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.

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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.