Guide
The Imari Tontenton Festival is an incredibly heroic and energetic event held over three days in Imari City, Saga Prefecture, during the weekend following the Shinden-sai on October 19th. Also known as "Imari Kunchi," it is celebrated as one of Japan's three great 'fighting festivals' (kenka matsuri). The most striking feature of this festival is the "battle" (kassen) where portable shrines (mikoshi) and heavy floats (danjiri) collide intensely throughout the city. The sight of them pushing against each other with immense force is truly overwhelming. The name "Tontenton" is derived from the rhythmic sound of the three rapid drum beats played by the floats.
While there are several theories regarding the origin of this festival, it is widely believed to have stemmed from a ritual competition between Kokitsu Jinja and Totoshima Jinja to pray for bountiful harvests and successful fishing. In 1829, following an order by the Arita porcelain kiln magistrate to unify festival dates, disputes over procession orders and participants arose between the two shrines, evolving into the regulated 'fighting festival' seen today. The festival also reflects historical tensions, with the confrontation between the white and red shrines of Kokitsu Jinja and the floats of Totoshima Jinja. In 1962, the two shrines were merged to form the current Imari Jinja, bringing structural changes to the tradition.
The ultimate highlight is the "battle" where the shrines and floats clash. As the heavy floats strike the drums and wait for the arrival of the shrines, the tension of the collision is thrilling to watch. The climax of the festival occurs on the evening of October 24th with the "Kawa-otoshi" (river dropping) at the banks of the Imari River. The sight of the clashing shrines and floats being lowered into the river is an iconic scene. It is said that if the shrine is raised first, it signifies a bountiful harvest, while if the float is raised first, it signifies a bountiful catch.
The festival takes place over three days during the third weekend of October (the weekend after the October 19th Shinden-sai). Since it occurs in late October, you can enjoy the festivities in the cool, pleasant autumn weather. You can experience different moods depending on the time of day: the procession of shrines and floats takes place during the day, while the more intense battles and the river ceremony take place from evening into night. The evening 'Kawa-otoshi' is a particularly essential time to witness as the grand finale.
As a spectator, you can watch the intense clashes of the shrines and floats up close in the streets. During the battles, you can feel the vibration of the drums, the heat of the crowd, and the raw energy of the participants. Because this is a high-intensity traditional event, spectators are expected to watch from safe designated areas. You can observe the traditional rituals unfolding throughout the city in accordance with the battle rules and progression.
The festival takes place in the urban areas of Imari City, centered around local shrines such as Kokitsu Jinja, Totoshima Jinja, and the merged Imari Jinja. The procession route changes every year based on the designated neighborhoods, so it is important to check the latest route information before visiting. Imari is also known for its historical streetscapes and porcelain culture, allowing you to explore the local heritage alongside the festival.
As you will be watching the festival outdoors for long periods, please prepare comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Since it is late October, we recommend bringing a light jacket to adapt to temperature changes.