2026 Masaki Autumn Festival

About this event

The "2026 Masaki Autumn Festival" will be held in Masaki Town, Ehime Prefecture. This festival spans two special days when the entire town is colored in autumn shades during the season when rice ears shine golden. Praying for big catches for fishermen and offering gratitude and new wishes for bountiful grain harvests, the local traditions and passion overflow on the stage of Meoto Bridge and Tamano Hachiman Daijinja Shrine. It is a historic festival handed down over many years, with this year's theme being "Connection: Masaki's Traditions Linked by Mikoshi." This theme embodies the deep desire to connect people across generations and pass the festival down to future generations as a united community and carrier team. You can feel the warmth and vitality of Masaki Town coming together as one through the portable shrines. The biggest highlight of the festival is the "Hachiawase," where portable shrines clash violently against each other. Young and veteran locals unite to shoulder and charge with the powerful mikoshi, creating overwhelming passion and emotion. On the first day, Hachiawase is carried out at Meoto Bridge, followed by the Miyairi entry into Tamano Hachiman Daijinja Shrine. On the next day, the setting shifts to Tamano Hachiman Daijinja Shrine, where morning Hachiawase takes place during Miyadashi. The sight of two mikoshi crashing head-on is truly breathtaking. Using carrying poles that are thicker and shorter than in other regions, the unique motion of "twisting" the mikoshi is a must-see. Accompanied by unique local chants such as "Chosa-," "Ochi-no," and "Sanyodo," an intense competition unfolds with unlimited clashes where "the side whose carrying pole breaks loses." You can witness up close people of all generations supporting the festival and the moment the entire town unites as one. The festival offers plenty of fun for both children and adults beyond the mikoshi and Hachiawase. After Hachiawase, the traditional "mochimaki (sweets toss)" takes place, filling the air with children's cheers as colorful candies and rice cakes rain down from the sky. Food stalls will also be open, fostering interactions with local residents over warm meals. In addition, adults and children can join in pulling the mikoshi together using long ropes attached to the carrying poles. There are plenty of arrangements so even first-time participants can enjoy the festival with peace of mind. During breaks, when the mikoshi are assembled in their impressive form, commemorative photos can be taken with children seated atop the mikoshi. You can create special autumn memories together with family and friends. Timely updates and notice of schedule changes will be posted on social media. Lion dances (shishimai) are performed with prayers for bountiful harvests and good health, featuring distinct dances by each district that captivate spectators. At night, the gentle glow of the high-mounted lantern procession envelopes the town in a magical ambiance. This festival is a precious venue where town residents interact across generations and roles, deepening community bonds. Through chanting, mutual support, and mingling among participants, you can feel the warmth and vigor of Masaki Town. General participation and walk-in joiners are warmly welcomed, so why not experience the joy of supporting the festival as part of the community? Experience the town's unity at the Masaki Autumn Festival, where tradition and evolution coexist. Don't just watch from the outside—step inside and enjoy the festival even more.

Venue

Tamano Hachiman Daijinja Shrine

697 Nishikoizumi, Masaki-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime 791-3134