Iyo-Mishima Autumn Festival

About this event

This traditional festival, with over 200 years of history, is the collective name for the autumn festivals of six shrines scattered across the Mishima, Samukawa, and Toyooka districts of Shikokuchuo City. The festival's greatest highlight is the procession of distinctive "Iyo-Mishima style" taikodai (drum festival floats), stacked with 6 to 8 tiers of different colored futon cushions. At the unified gathering held at Minato Memorial Park, numerous taikodai assemble together for lifting contests and an awards ceremony, creating a spectacular scene. On the final evening, night processions of drum floats (Yoitaiko) wind through the city center, offering a magical atmosphere. In recent years, dedications of Niihama-style taikodai have also increased, mainly in the Toyooka district, allowing visitors to compare different styles of drum floats within the same festival. Dates vary by district: the Samukawa district holds its festival from October 20 to 22, while the Mishima and Toyooka districts run from October 21 to 23. Road closures occur during the float processions, so visitors are advised to allow ample travel time.

Venue

Samukawa Toyooka Seaside Park Fureai Beach

Samukawa Toyooka Seaside Park Fureai Beach, Samukawacho, Shikokuchuo, Ehime 799-0431