Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine Autumn Grand Festival / Naked Festival 2026

About this event

With a history of approximately 940 years, the Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine Autumn Grand Festival / Naked Festival is one of Japan's three major naked festivals, a valiant traditional event held annually in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture. In 2026, it will unfold over three days from December 4 to 6 along the Katsura River and the riverbeds around Otamabashi Bridge. On the first day of the festival, known as "Okudari," the portable shrine (mikoshi) parades from the main shrine to the lower shrine, and on the final day, known as "Onobori," it returns from the lower shrine to the main shrine. The greatest highlight of the festival is the powerful river crossing: the world's largest "Bungo Big Torch," measuring about 16 meters in length and weighing about 5 tons, is lit, and amid the flames, men of the river team carry the mikoshi weighing about 1 ton across the freezing Katsura River. This year, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the "Bungo Big Torch," special events such as a taiko drum festival and the Katsura River Niagara Fireworks will also be held, greatly captivating visiting tourists. It is a rare opportunity to directly experience the depth of tradition and the fiery excitement of a valiant festival.

Venue

Otama Civic Park

114 Otama, Bungotakada, Oita 879-0605