
Kakegawa Matsuri Festival
掛川祭
Experience the grandeur of ornate floats and powerful lion dances in the historic Kakegawa Castle town.
Kakegawa Matsuri is a traditional joint festival held by seven local shrines, including Ryuobi, Shinmei, and others, in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka.
Highlights
About Kakegawa Matsuri Festival
- Enjoy the Night Parade: The most beautiful time to visit is the evening (after 18:00) when the lanterns light up the floats and the music reaches its peak.
- Visit the Festival Plaza: During the Grand Festival, the 'Festival Plaza' offers a great spot to watch many performances and stalls in one place.
- Capture the Moment: The ornate floats and powerful lion dances are perfect for photography. Don't forget your camera for the illuminated night scenes.
Photo gallery
All photosSchedule
October 10, 2026
Weather forecast
Mon
8/3
29°/25°
100%
Tue
8/4
30°/24°
0%
Wed
8/5
32°/26°
8%
Thu
8/6
32°/26°
31%
Fri
8/7
31°/25°
58%
Sat
8/8
30°/24°
46%
Sun
8/9
28°/23°
45%
Plan your stay & activities
Tips
Clothing/Items
Please walk behind the procession to avoid disrupting the parade.
Access
Large-scale traffic restrictions are in place. We recommend using trains and walking instead of driving.
Payment
Cash is most convenient for purchasing food and drinks at the stalls.
Crowds
The area becomes very crowded at night. Please plan your movements with extra time.
Before & After the Event
Tanabata Celebration: "Make a Wish Under the Stars...☆"
Enjoy a magical Tanabata moment with the stunning views of Nihondaira. Savor seasonal treats and create lasting summer memories.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Mt. Fuji Oyama-biraki
Celebrate the start of the Mt. Fuji climbing season at the annual Oyama-biraki ceremony. Witness the unveiling of Miss Fujisan and prepare for your ascent as the Fujinomiya climbing route opens.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Tanabata at Kyu-Tashiro-ke Residence
Visit the Kyu-Tashiro-ke Residence on July 11–12, 2026, to enjoy the beautiful Tanabata festival. Experience traditional Japanese architecture decorated with colorful streamers and collect the exclusive residence card.
Held in the same area in 2026-07


