
Castle Town Shibata Festival
Japanese name:城下町新発田まつり
📅 Thu, Aug 27, 2026 - Sat, Aug 29, 2026
About this event
Brightening the late summer of Shibata City in Niigata Prefecture, the "Castle Town Shibata Festival" is held as the annual grand festival of Suwa Shrine, the main tutelary shrine of Shibata. Throughout the festival period, a wide variety of events unfold, including folk dance parades (minyo-nagashi) by local citizens and creative parades with participation from various organizations. Among these, the highlight is the "Kaeri-Dairin" on the final day, where local men passionately showcase their spirited dedication by hauling festival floats (dairin) through the streets, creating a magnificent spectacle that captivates many tourists. Serving as a cherished seasonal event heralding the end of summer in Shibata City, this festival leaves a lasting impression not only on local residents but also on visiting travelers.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Suwa Shrine (Shibata Sochinju)
1-8-9 Suwacho, Shibata, Niigata 957-0055
Open in Google Maps ↗