Guida
Kakegawa Matsuri is a grand traditional festival held by 41 neighborhoods across 7 shrines, including Ryuo, Shinmei, Ri, Ikebe, Hakusan, Tsushima, and Kifune Shrines. Set against the backdrop of Kakegawa Castle, the streets are filled with beautifully decorated two-wheeled floats and powerful lion dances. Every three years (years of the Ox, Dragon, Sheep, and Dog), the much larger "Grand Festival" (Daisai) is held, featuring exceptional performances. In other years, the smaller-scale "Small Festival" (Kosai) is celebrated, maintaining deep local roots.
The charm of Kakegawa Matsuri lies in the fusion of traditional performances and the magnificent floats. You can witness traditional arts like "Kappore" and "Kikari," and during the Grand Festival, see the massive "Dai-shishi" (one of the largest in Japan) and the "Kankaramachi" lion dance, a designated intangible folk cultural property of Shizuoka Prefecture. A major highlight is the "Tegi-awase," where floats pass each other, and the high-tempo "Tekka" music that heightens the excitement. At night, the streets are transformed by the glow of lanterns on the floats, creating a magical atmosphere.
The festival takes place over three days from October 10 to October 12 (Note: During the Grand Festival, it continues until Monday, totaling 4 days).
The main venue is the central area of Kakegawa Castle Town, centered around Kakegawa Station.
When the floats or lion dances are passing, please be careful not to cross the path of the procession, as this disrupts the event. Always try to stay behind the moving groups. The central area becomes extremely crowded during the evening, so please allow plenty of time for movement.