【2025】Top Things to Do in Nishinoshima This Summer: Matsuri

• Table of Contents
• 2025: Nishinoshima’s Year of Matsuri
• 1. [July, 2025] Takada Shrine Grand Festival
• 2. [July, 2025] Yurahime Shrine Grand Festival
• 3. [September, 2025] Mita Hachiman Shrine Shikinensai Memorial Ceremony
• 4. Useful Tips and Manners to Keep in Mind When Attending a Matsuri:
• 5. There are also many exciting events to look forward to in 2026!
• More on Nishinoshima:

2025: Nishinoshima’s Year of Matsuri

Big and small, Nishinoshima is home to numerous Shinto shrines, and many of their grand festivals take place in July. Among them, the grand festivals of Takada Shrine, Yurahime Shrine and Kai Shrine stand out as the island’s three major matsuri. Their mikoshi (portable shrine) parades are held biennially – and in 2025, both Takada Shrine and Yurahime Shrine’s mikoshi parade are scheduled to take place! Adding to the excitement, this autumn also makrs the Shikinensai memorial ceremony of Mita Hachiman Shrine, a rare event held only once every 25 years. It’s an exceptional opportunity to experience the rich traditions of matsuri found only on Nishinoshima!

1. [July, 2025] Takada Shrine Grand Festival

Affectionately known as “Takada san”, Takara Shrine
is located in Komukai area and is revered as the guardian deity of both Komukai
and Funakoshi areas. As a part of the grand festival, its mikoshi parade is
held on the nights of July 18th and July 19th in
odd-numbered years. 

While Takada Shrine sits on Mt. Takada, the mikoshi is stored at the base of the mountain. At around 6 p.m. on the first night, local men gather at the mikoshi storehouse to begin the processions. Once retrieved, the mikoshi is paraded through the neighbourhood in a spirited display – sometimes moving forward, sometimes backward, and occasionally spinning in place. As a dedication to the deity, Dōzen Kagura shinto dance is performed on the same night. On the second night, the mikoshi is paraded once again before being returned to the storehouse, concluding two nights of lively celebration.

Takada Shrine Annual Festival Venue (Parking lot in front of Funakoshi Hall)

2. [July, 2025] Yurahime Shrine Grand Festival

Held on the last Saturday and Sunday of July in
odd-numbered years, Yurahime Shrine Grand Festival is the largest matsuri
in Nishinoshima. On the nights of the festival, local men gather at the shrine
and carry the mikoshi towards Uragō Port
area. At 8 p.m., the night sky is illuminated by a breathtaking fireworks
display over the port, building to a stunning crescendo. 

After the fireworks, the mikoshi carriers reassemble
and carry the mikoshi to the okariya, the temporary lodging of the
mikoshi during the festival. Similar to the Tadaka Shrine Grand Festival, Dōzen Kagura shinto dance is also dedicated. On the
second night, the mikoshi is returned to Yurahime Shrine. As this grand
festival marks the end of the summer festival season, a lively struggle ensues
between those who want to return the mikoshi and those who wish to carry it
further. When the mikoshi is finally placed in the worship hall of Yurahime
Shrine, the grounds erupt in loud applause from both carriers and spectators,
signaling the end of the festival in a joyous celebration. 

3. [September, 2025] Mita Hachiman Shrine Shikinensai Memorial Ceremony

Nestled quietly outside the grounds of the former Kuroki Elementary School, Mita Hachiman Shrine, affectionately known as “Hachiman san”, is located just a 5-minute walk from Beppu Port Ferry Terminal. Mita Hachiman Shrine Grand Festival takes place every September, featuring two traditional elements – a dengaku dance called Shūhaira and sumo wrestling, both dedicated in odd-numbered years.

The dance by the whole troupe brings the ceremony to the climax.

The Shikinensai, a memorial ceremony that is held once every 25 years, is scheduled for September this year. In addition to the sumo wrestling and Shūhaira dance, a mikoshi parade will also be part of the festivities. Further details about the event will be announced soon – so stay tuned for updates!

4. Useful Tips and Manners to Keep in Mind When Attending a Matsuri:

Nishinoshima has narrow roads and limited street lighting, so please take extra care when moving around at night. During the grand festivals, but the venues and mikoshi parade routes can become very crowded with spectators. The mikoshi parade is full of energy – it doesn’t just move forward, but it can also spin, backtrack, and shift direction unpredictably. For your safety – and the safety of the mikoshi carriers and other visitors – be sure to keep a safe distance while enjoying the event.

July in Japan is hot and humid, even after sunset.
Be sure to stay hydrated and bring a handheld fan. A traditional uchiwa
fan not only helps you stay cool but also adds to the festive mood! 

On festive days, traffic restrictions will be in place along the mikoshi routes and near event venues. Some car parks will also be closed. If you are visiting by car, it is recommended to park a little further away and walk to the festive site. If you are renting a car, check traffic updates and available parking with the rental car company.

5. There are also many exciting events to look forward to in 2026!

Nishinoshima’s matsuri are defined by their dynamic biennial mikoshi parades and the dedication of the traditional Dōzen Kagura shinto dance. In even-numbered years, you can also enjoy Beppu area’s Mikado Matsuri, and the flamboyant Shūhaira dengaku dance performed in Uragō area.

During festival season, many return to the island, transforming Nishinoshima into a vibrant town filled with energy and community spirit. Whether you are drawn by the excitement of mikoshi parade or simply the festive atmosphere, attending a matsuri is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Japan. Come and join the celebration!

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