Ozu Jizo Matsuri 2026

About this event

Held every year on August 23 and 24 in Ozu Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, the "Ozu Jizo Matsuri" is a traditional local summer festival with a history of over 170 years. It is said to have originated with the enshrining of Jizo Bodhisattva during the Edo period to memorialize those who died from famine, epidemics, and drowning. During the festival period, the area around the Ozu Town Office and the Ozu Shopping Street turns into a pedestrian precinct lined with over 100 stalls. Floats carrying the Roku Jizo parade through the shopping street, followed by a lively performance of "Ozu Ondo" alongside a town-wide dance at the main venue. On the night of the second day, approximately 800 fireworks are scheduled to be launched, viewable from the Town Sports Ground. With gourmet food, stage events, and raffle lottery draws to enjoy, the entire community is filled with excitement. It is a festival praying for good health, warding off misfortune, healthy growth of children, traffic safety, and business prosperity.

Venue

Ozu Town Office

1233 Ozu, Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto 869-1233