Nakatsu Gion Festival
A Traditional Summer Festival Featuring Ornate Floats and Portable Mikoshi Shrines Parading through the City
The Nakatsu Gion Festival is a historic celebration that has been held in the castle town of Nakatsu Castle for over 600 years. Every year on a weekend in late July, this three-day festival prays for the prevention of epidemics and the health of the community. It features two simultaneous events: the Kami Gion centered around Nakatsu Shrine and the Shimo Gion centered around Yasaka Shrine.
Thirteen lavishly decorated floats with lacquered designs, known as gionsha, and two portable mikoshi shrines carrying deities are paraded through the city. The procession stops at intersections to showcase traditional dances and musical performances, delighting onlookers.
The festival’s highlight is the nerikomi on the second and final days, where gionsha and mikoshi are vigorously pulled through the shrine grounds. The dramatic turns and speed are breathtaking to witness. This event not only strengthens community bonds but also passes on rich traditions to the next generation.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Basic Information
- Event period
- [Nakatsu Gion Festival]
July 24 (Friday) to July 26 (Sunday), 2026 - Event venue
- [Kuranashihama Shrine]
447 Ryuou-machi, Nakatsu City
[Nakatsu Shrine]
1273-1 Ninocho, Nakatsu City
[Fukuzawa Street]
Around Furuuo-machi, Nakatsu City - Address (Japanese)
- 大分県中津市
- Address
- Nakatsu City, Oita
- Telephone Number
- 0979-62-9034（Nakatsu City Tourism Division）
- Prices
- Free
- Access
- [Kuranashihama Shrine]
Approximately 30 minutes on foot from JR Nakatsu Station
[Nakatsu Shrine]
Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Nakatsu Station
[Fukuzawa Street]
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Nakatsu Station
[Koiwai Fishing Port Plaza]
Approximately 40 minutes on foot from JR Nakatsu Station
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
