Saijo Festival 2025
Festival dates: 2025-10-11 (Sat) ā 2025-10-16 (Thu)
Last checked: 2026-09-12 Ā· Official source
- Confirmed for 2025
Separate Taiko Processions
Kamo Shrine
- 07:45Confirmed for 2025
Kabo Shrine
Kamo Shrine
Google Maps - 09:30Confirmed for 2025
Kamogawa Riverbed
Kamo Shrine
Google Maps - 11:30Confirmed for 2025
Ara Shrine
Kamo Shrine
Google Maps - 13:45Confirmed for 2025
Takamaru
Kamo Shrine
Google Maps - 14:45Confirmed for 2025
Nanba
Kamo Shrine
Google Maps - 16:15Confirmed for 2025
Teizui Shita
Kamo Shrine
Google Maps - 17:30Confirmed for 2025
Kabo Shrine
Kamo Shrine
Google Maps - 09:30Confirmed for 2025
Separate Danjiri Processions
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 02:00ā04:00Confirmed for 2025
Iwaoka Shrine Plaza
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 02:00ā06:00Confirmed for 2025
Isono Shrine Entrance
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 05:10ā06:10Confirmed for 2025
Tabisho
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 08:30Confirmed for 2025
Youth Center
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 10:20Confirmed for 2025
Split in 2 at Yamaguchi
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 10:50Confirmed for 2025
Shinmachi
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 11:00Confirmed for 2025
Nishimachi
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 12:20Confirmed for 2025
Split in 2 at Nishinohara
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 12:40Confirmed for 2025
Split in 2 at Doi
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 14:00Confirmed for 2025
Ebisu Enbankment
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 14:30Confirmed for 2025
Shinbee Bridge Crossing
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 15:40Confirmed for 2025
Iwaoka Shrine Plaza
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 17:30Confirmed for 2025
Iwaoka Shrine
Ishioka Shrine
Google Maps - 01:40ā04:35Confirmed for 2025
Tabisho
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 05:25Confirmed for 2025
Nobori-michi
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 05:45Confirmed for 2025
Satsu-no-Tsuji
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 05:50Confirmed for 2025
Fuhaku Shrine
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 06:15Confirmed for 2025
Uoya-cho
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 06:30ā09:30Confirmed for 2025
Saijo HS
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 10:10Confirmed for 2025
Dobashi
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 10:30Confirmed for 2025
Kakehi
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 11:05Confirmed for 2025
Fukukawa Tamazu Bridge Line
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 11:30Confirmed for 2025
Yokokuro
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 11:55ā13:00Confirmed for 2025
Tamazu
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 13:20Confirmed for 2025
Myojingi
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 13:45Confirmed for 2025
Nakamachi Ogawa
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 14:05Confirmed for 2025
Omachi Yotsuji
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 15:10Confirmed for 2025
Kamogawa Enbankment
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 17:15Confirmed for 2025
Kawa-Iri
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 17:30Confirmed for 2025
Depart Kawa-Iri
Isono Shrine
Google Maps - 18:00Confirmed for 2025
Return to Shrines
Isono Shrine
Google Maps
Summary
- Traditional autumn festival schedule in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture
- Organized by three shrine areas (Kamo, Iwaoka, Isono) and chronologically by date
- 38 events featuring up to 81 ornate danjiri floats
The Saijo Festival is a traditional autumn celebration in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, with over 300 years of history. Magnificent ornate floats called "danjiri" parade through the city streets with spirited chants.
This guide covers all 38 events from October 11-16, 2025, with times, locations, and danjiri counts for the three shrine areas.
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Detailed schedule for each shrine area organized by date.
Kamo Shrine (Kamo-jinja)
The Kamo Shrine area features 5 taiko floats.
Kamo Shrine Area Highlights
- Kamo Shrine Entry (10/12 7:45 AM): Sacred ceremony marking the festival's beginning
- Namba (10/12 2:45 PM): Spectacular gathering of all 5 taiko floats
- Kamo Shrine Return (10/12 5:30 PM): Final shrine entry closing the day
Iwaoka Shrine (Iwaoka-jinja)
The Iwaoka Shrine area features 29 danjiri floats.
Iwaoka Shrine Area Highlights
- Otabisho (10/15 early morning 5:10-6:10 AM): Sacred early morning ceremony with all 29 danjiri
- Kanpai Bridge Crossing (10/15 2:30 PM): Spectacular scene of danjiri crossing the bridge
- Iwaoka Shrine Plaza (10/15 3:40 PM): Festival climax with 29 danjiri gathering
Isono Shrine (Isono-jinja)
The Isono Shrine area features the largest number - 81 danjiri floats.
Isono Shrine Area Highlights
- Otabisho (10/16 late night 1:40-4:35 AM): Mystical late-night atmosphere with all 81 danjiri - the festival's largest gathering
- Saijo High School (10/16 early morning 6:30-9:30 AM): Spectacular assembly of all 81 danjiri in one location
- Kawa-iri (River Entry)ā (10/16 evening 5:15 PM): Festival climax - breathtaking scene of danjiri entering the Kamo River
š Viewing Tips
Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning Dedications (2:00-6:00 AM): Experience the solemn sacred atmosphere
- Daytime Shrine Visits (10:00-3:00 PM): See every detail in bright daylight
- Kawa-iri (River Entry)ā (5:00-6:00 PM): Festival climax - breathtaking river scene
Important Notes
- Stay clear of the danjiri paths for safety
- Keep children close in crowded areas
- Dispose of trash properly
- Be considerate when taking photos - don't block other viewers
š Understanding the Festival
What is a Danjiri?
The festival floats (danjiri) are elaborate structures decorated with gold leaf, colored tapestries, and intricate carvings. Each float represents a neighborhood's pride and takes numerous people to carry and maneuver.
What is Kawa-iri (River Entry)?
"Kawa-iri" (å·å „ć) is the festival's most spectacular event where all 81 danjiri from the Isono Shrine area enter the Kamo River. This tradition creates the festival's most breathtaking moment, combining physical prowess with visual beauty.
ā Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Saijo Festival held?
The Saijo Festival is held annually in mid-October. In 2025, the festival runs from October 11-16, with different shrine areas having events on different days.
What's the difference between the three shrine areas?
The festival is organized around three main shrines
- Kamo Shrine: 5 taiko floats, October 11-12
- Iwaoka Shrine: 29 danjiri floats, October 14-15
- Isono Shrine: 81 danjiri floats, October 15-16 (largest)
What is the best viewing spot?
The most spectacular events are
- Kawa-iri (River Entry) at Kamo River - October 16, 5:15 PM
- Saijo High School gathering - October 16, 6:30-9:30 AM
- Otabisho ceremonies - Early morning on October 15 and 16
Is it crowded?
Yes, especially during the highlight events like Kawa-iri and Saijo High School gathering. The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Arrive early for popular events to secure a good viewing spot.
Can tourists participate?
The actual float-carrying is reserved for local residents, but if you're living in Saijo City, you may be able to join your neighborhood's team - foreign residents do participate and carry danjiri alongside Japanese neighbors! This is a wonderful way to become part of the community.
For visitors staying temporarily, you're warmly welcomed as spectators. The festival atmosphere is very friendly and photo-friendly.
š Make the Most of Your Visit
The Saijo 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.
Especially the Isono Shrine's "Kawa-iri" (River Entry) is the festival's greatest spectacle. The sight of 81 danjiri entering the Kamo River is absolutely breathtaking.
Use this schedule to find your favorite events and fully enjoy the autumn in Saijo.
š Official
This article is based on the official Saijo City festival schedule. For the latest information and details, please refer to the official information below.
š Official Saijo Festival Schedule (PDF, Japanese)
Please Note
This schedule is current as of 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.