Niihama Taiko Festival 2025
Festival dates: 2025-10-15 (Wed) ā 2025-10-18 (Sat)
Last checked: 2026-09-12 Ā· Official source
- 18:00ā19:00Confirmed for 2025
Uzui Plaza
Jobu
Google Maps - 03:00ā06:30Confirmed for 2025
Uchinomiya Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 04:00ā06:30Confirmed for 2025
Hagioka Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 05:00ā07:30Confirmed for 2025
Hakusan Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 06:00ā07:00Confirmed for 2025
Mishima Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 06:30Confirmed for 2025
Kiyosumi Shrine
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 07:00ā07:30Confirmed for 2025
Todai Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 08:00ā08:30Confirmed for 2025
Urado Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 08:30Confirmed for 2025
Hachiman Shrine
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 11:00ā12:00Confirmed for 2025
Nakahagi Kirakira Park
Jobu
Google Maps - 16:00ā17:10Confirmed for 2025
Takihama Procession
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 17:30ā21:00Confirmed for 2025
Takatsu ES Night
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 17:45ā20:15Confirmed for 2025
Marunaka Parking Lot
Jobu
Google Maps - 18:00ā20:00Confirmed for 2025
AEON Mall
Kawanishi
Google Maps - 18:00ā19:45Confirmed for 2025
Tenjinhama Road Kakikurabe
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 18:00ā21:00Confirmed for 2025
Kusuri no Aoki Ojoin
Jobu
Google Maps - 19:00ā20:30Confirmed for 2025
Fuji Night Taiko
Kawanishi
Google Maps - 19:50ā21:00Confirmed for 2025
Tenjinhama Road Night Taiko
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 20:05ā21:00Confirmed for 2025
The Big Matsumiko Night Taiko
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 10:00ā12:30Confirmed for 2025
Kokuryogawa Riverbed
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 10:30ā12:00Confirmed for 2025
Ikku Shrine
Kawanishi
Google Maps - 13:00ā14:00Confirmed for 2025
Uzui Plaza Kakikurabe
Jobu
Google Maps - 13:00ā17:00Confirmed for 2025
Yamane Ground
Jobu
Google Maps - 14:50Confirmed for 2025
Enomoto Plaza
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 16:30ā16:50Confirmed for 2025
Takihama Station Part 1
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 17:20ā20:00Confirmed for 2025
Takihama Station Kakiburabe
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 19:00ā21:00Confirmed for 2025
Ikeda Pond Park
Jobu
Google Maps - 19:00ā20:30Confirmed for 2025
Yamane Ground Night Taiko
Jobu
Google Maps - 19:00ā20:30Confirmed for 2025
Fuji Hongo Night Taiko
Jobu
Google Maps - 19:30ā21:00Confirmed for 2025
Ohtarachihime Shrine Festival
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 08:30ā10:00Confirmed for 2025
Oehama Kakikurabe
Kawanishi
Google Maps - 09:00ā10:00Confirmed for 2025
Coop Kozato
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 10:00ā13:00Confirmed for 2025
Nakahagi ES Kakikurabe
Jobu
Google Maps - 14:10ā19:40Confirmed for 2025
Hachiman Shrine
Kawahigashi
Google Maps - 14:30ā16:00Confirmed for 2025
Ikku Shrine
Kawanishi
Google Maps - 14:30ā16:00Confirmed for 2025
Sumino ES Kakikurabe
Jobu
Google Maps - 14:30ā16:00Confirmed for 2025
Izumigawa ES Kakikurabe
Jobu
Google Maps - 15:00ā18:00Confirmed for 2025
Ikku Shrine Kakikurabe
Kawanishi
Google Maps - 15:30ā17:30Confirmed for 2025
Funaki ES Kakikurabe
Jobu
Google Maps - 16:00ā17:30Confirmed for 2025
Hagioka Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 16:00ā18:00Confirmed for 2025
Uchinomiya Shrine Kakikurabe
Jobu
Google Maps - 16:30ā17:30Confirmed for 2025
Urado Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 16:30ā19:00Confirmed for 2025
Hakusan Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 17:30ā19:00Confirmed for 2025
Toyo Pet Kakikurabe
Jobu
Google Maps - 18:00ā18:30Confirmed for 2025
Mishima Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 18:00ā18:30Confirmed for 2025
Todai Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps - 18:00ā19:00Confirmed for 2025
Funaki Shrine
Jobu
Google Maps
Summary
- Traditional taiko drum festival schedule in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Organized by three areas (Kawanishi, Kawahigashi, Jobu) and chronologically by date
- 48 events featuring up to 20 ornate taiko floats weighing 3 tons each
The Niihama Taiko Festival is one of Ehime Prefecture's premier autumn celebrations with over 300 years of history. Massive 3-ton ornate floats parade through the city with spirited chants.
This guide covers all 48 events from October 15-18, 2025, with times, locations, and taiko counts.
š Related Articles
If you're interested in Ehime Prefecture's drum festivals, check out
š
Saijo Festival Complete Schedule Guide
- October 11-16, featuring up to 81 ornate danjiri floats, with the spectacular "Kawa-iri" river entry as the festival's highlight
š
Mishima Kawanoe Taiko Festival Complete Schedule Guide
- October 20-23, traditional festival in Shikokuchuo City featuring up to 12 taiko floats across three districts (Mishima, Toyooka, Sangawa)
Detailed schedule for each area organized by date.
Kawanishi Area (West Niihama)
The Kawanishi area includes events at AEON Mall and Ikku Shrine.
Kawanishi Area Highlights
- AEON Mall (10/16 evening): Festival opening with 10 taiko floats gathering
- Ikku Shrine Kakikurabe (10/18 afternoon): Grand finale with a 3-hour spectacular performance
Kawahigashi Area (East Niihama)
Kawahigashi Area Highlights
- Kokuryogawa Riverbed (10/17 morning): Spectacular gathering of 17 taiko floats
- Takihama Station Kakiburabe (10/17 evening): Magical performance from dusk to night
- Hachiman Shrine (10/18 afternoon): Final long dedication ceremony closing the festival
Jobu Area (South Niihama)
The Jobu area features the longest operating hours, from early morning to late night.
Jobu Area Highlights
- Uchinomiya Shrine Early Morning (10/16 from 3:00 AM): Sacred early morning dedication preserving festival tradition
- Yamane Ground (10/17 daytime): The festival's largest event with up to 20 taiko floats gathering
- Shrine Dedications (10/18 evening): Final shrine visits closing the festival
š Viewing Tips
Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning Dedications (6:00-8:00): Experience the traditional, solemn atmosphere
- Daytime Kakikurabe (10:00-17:00): See every detail in bright daylight
- Night Taiko (18:00-21:00): Magical illuminated performances
Important Notes
- Stay clear of the taiko float paths for safety
- Keep children close in crowded areas
- Dispose of trash properly
- Be considerate when taking photos - don't block other viewers
- Limited English signage - having this schedule helps!
š Understanding the Festival
What is a Taiko-dai?
The festival floats (taiko-dai) are elaborate structures weighing about 3 tons, decorated with gold leaf, colored tapestries, and intricate carvings. Each float represents a neighborhood's pride and takes 50-100 men to carry and maneuver.
What is Kakikurabe?
"Kakikurabe" (ććććć¹) is the competitive performance where teams carry their floats and perform synchronized movements, competing for the crowd's approval. The coordination, strength, and showmanship create the festival's most exciting moments.
š Make the Most of Your Visit
The Niihama Taiko Festival offers a rare glimpse into Japanese tradition and community spirit. The combination of physical prowess, artistic beauty, and cultural heritage creates an unforgettable experience.
Use this schedule to plan your festival route, and don't hesitate to explore beyond the highlighted events - every corner of the festival has something special to offer.
Please Note
This schedule is current as of October 2025. Events may change due to weather or other circumstances. Please check with official sources for the most current information on the day of your visit.
For the latest updates, visit the Niihama City tourism website or inquire at JR Niihama Station's tourist information center.