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Sennan City Autumn Festival

Guide

Sennan City Autumn Festival

7 min read

Event Overview

The Sennan City Autumn Festival is a traditional celebration held to honor the autumn harvest and strengthen community bonds. There are currently 20 'Yagura' (also known as Jisha or Yagura) floats throughout Sennan City, which are pulled through various streets in a lively procession. The 'Yagura' are large, heavy floats supported by a structure resembling a giant two-wheeled spinning top, and their unique, powerful movement is their most striking feature. The entire city is filled with excitement and the sounds of traditional local music (Ondo).

Highlights and How to Enjoy

The biggest draw is the sight of the massive 'Yagura' floats being pulled through the streets. From large structures made of zelkova wood to smaller ones made of cypress, each float displays a different character and movement, adding color to the cityscape. Listening to the traditional music passed down through each district is another essential way to enjoy the festival. On the main day, October 12, you can experience the climax of the festival with a lively procession of portable shrines (Mikoshi) accompanied by the Yagura floats.

Schedule

The festival will be held on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, 2026.

  • *October 11 (Saturday)**: Rituals and float processions begin in various districts.
  • *October 12 (Sunday)**: The main event, featuring a lively procession of Mikoshi and Yagura floats in certain areas.

Venue and Access

The festival takes place at various shrines and surrounding streets throughout the districts of Sennan City.

  • *Main Venues (Shrines)**:
  • Chinuzu Shrine (Tarui)
  • Kashima Shrine (Narutaki)
  • Sotoai Shrine (Okada)
  • Ioka Shrine (Shindatsu Naeshiro)
  • Ichiba Inari Shrine (Shindatsu Ichiba)
  • Okachuka Jinja (Shindatsu Okachuka)
  • Shindatsu Shrine (Shindatsu Kumakuji)
  • Suwa Shrine (Shindatsu Dojibata)
  • Kubo Shrine (Hatashiro)
  • Otoko Shrine (Otori)
  • *Nearest Stations**:
  • JR Izumi-Sunagawa Station
  • Nankai Main Line: Okadaura Station or Tarui Station

Tips for Visitors

Because the festival is large-scale and occurs simultaneously across multiple districts, we recommend checking in advance which areas host which specific 'Yagura' floats. The excitement peaks on the 12th with the Mikoshi processions. For transportation, please consider using the 'Sennan Smart Mobility' services.

What to Bring, Clothing, and Etiquette

  • *Clothing**: As you will be watching the festivities outdoors for long periods and may need to walk between areas, we recommend comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing and walking shoes.
  • *Transportation**: During the festival (October 11–12), the Sennan City Community Bus will not be running. Please consider using public trains or the 'Sennan Smart Mobility' (such as electric bicycles) currently being tested.
  • *Details**: Please check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule and local rules.