Guide
Joetsu Matsuri is a massive summer festival held annually in late July in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. The festival is divided into two main parts: the Takada district in the first half and the Naoetsu district in the second half. The Naoetsu portion, also known as the Naoetsu Gion Festival, boasts a long history dating back to the mid-Heian period. It is a high-energy event where 19 magnificent floats (yatai) parade through the streets to the rhythmic sounds of traditional flutes and drums.
The greatest draw is the parade of 19 grand floats through the streets of Naoetsu. Due to the historical tradition of welcoming sacred shrines from Takada by boat, many of the Naoetsu floats feature a distinctive boat-shaped design. Notably, the floats from Honmachi and Yokomachi carry statues of Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto as leaders, adding a profound sense of tradition.
On July 26, a spectacular fireworks display is held in the Naoetsu district. The sight of the fireworks illuminating the sky above the moving floats is truly breathtaking. You can also experience the deep cultural roots of the festival through the various