Yokai Matsuri

About this event

Held in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, the "Yokai Matsuri" is a local event where visitors can experience and enjoy traditional Japanese yokai (supernatural folklore creatures) culture up close. Taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the JR Kainan Station West Plaza from 16:00 to 20:30, the entire venue immerses guests in the world of yokai. On the day, there will be yokai storytelling and yokai portrait sketching by Mr. Tetsuya Maeoka, a costume contest, a yokai market, and Bon Odori dancing. In particular, the Hyakki Yagyo (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons), where participants dressed in yokai costumes parade through the shopping street, is a must-see. In addition, the yokai market will feature food trucks, craft booths, yokai merchandise, mask-making, booths where visitors can transform into yokai, and yokai-themed food and drinks. Ahead of the event, a stamp rally will be held from Monday (national holiday), July 20 to Friday, September 18, and an exhibition of works from the "Wakayama Yokai Illustrated Encyclopedia" will be held at the Kainan City Products and Tourism Center inside JR Kainan Station from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 27. In the costume contest, prizes will be awarded to winners such as Grand Prize and Excellence Award recipients, and all participants will receive a participation prize. Yokai portrait sketching requires advance application, and approximately 10 people will be selected by lottery. The event will proceed in light rain, but may be cancelled in severe weather. Details will be provided on the official Instagram account.

Venue

Municipal Kainan Station West Parking Lot

529-1 Nadaka, Kainan, Wakayama 642-0032