Whale Boat Festival of Toride Shrine

About this event

The Whale Boat Festival of Toride Shrine is a traditional event registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Starting in fiscal year 2025 (Reiwa 7), it is held every year on the Saturday and Sunday following September 23. On the first day, town parades (machi-neri) take place in each district, and on the second day, the main procession and performance (hon-neri) are held on the grounds of Toride Shrine. It begins with the whale harpooning ritual in front of the torii gate, and after entering the shrine grounds, whale harpooning performances are dedicated to the main sanctuary and the auxiliary shrine. Furukawa-cho dedicates only one performance to the main sanctuary. A highlight during the event is the tactical maneuvering and rivalry between successive groups across the torii gate. Finally, everyone dances to songs and taiko drumming during a shrine visit to give thanks for the safe completion of the rituals, concluding all festivities. Elaborately carved and gorgeously embroidered whale boat floats engage in a mock battle against a whale symbolizing a rich catch and prosperity, making it a heroic event where the whale is skillfully captured and dedicated to the deities to pray for an abundant harvest.

Venue

Toride Shrine

2-16-4 Tomida, Yokkaichi, Mie 510-8014