Guide
Yukake Matsuri Festival
6 min readEvent Overview
The Yukake Matsuri is a traditional festival that symbolizes the historic hot spring culture of Yugawara. Its origins date back to the Edo period, recreating the ritual of offering hot spring water to noble families. During the event, approximately 60 tons of hot spring water are used. It is an incredibly energetic and communal experience where spectators splash large amounts of hot water toward the Mikoshi (portable shrines).
Highlights & How to Enjoy
The main highlight is the "Oyu-kaburi" (water splashing) along the 1.5km parade route. The grand staircase near the Manyo Park entrance is a famous "splash zone" where massive amounts of hot water are poured. Seeing both the shrine bearers and the spectators laughing and cheering while drenched in hot spring water is a unique, high-energy experience found only here. You can also enjoy local street food stalls alongside the powerful Mikoshi parade.
Schedule
The festival will be held on May 23, 2026 (Saturday). The program runs from morning rituals to the evening parade.
- 10:00~: Kumano Shrine Ritual (Shinto Ceremony)
- 18:10~: Ohashi Matsuri Ritual (Manyo Park Entrance Plaza)
- 19:30: Mikoshi Parade Starts (Chikuritsu Yugawara Museum of Art)
- Around 20:00: Passing through Manyo Park Entrance Plaza
- 21:00: Expected arrival at Izumi Park
- 21:30: Expected end of events at Izumi Park
Venue & Access
The parade starts at the Chikuritsu Yugawara Museum of Art and travels through the center of the hot spring town toward Izumi Park.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Point | Chikuritsu Yugawara Museum of Art |
| Goal Point | Izumi Park |
| Nearest Bus Stop | "Museum-mae" or "Dochu" |
Participation Tips
To fully enjoy the "water splashing" experience, preparation is key. You can splash water at the Mikoshi along the parade route. Food stalls will also be set up near the Manyo Park area to enhance the festive atmosphere.
What to Bring & Etiquette
Since you will likely get splashed with hot water, please wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet. We recommend comfortable clothing for walking and enjoying street food.
- *Clothing**: Wear clothes that can get wet (you will likely be splashed with hot water).
- *Payment**: Please prepare cash or electronic money for food stalls (please check official sources for specific digital payment availability).
- *Reservations**: No advance reservation is required, but we recommend arriving early due to expected crowds.