Written by Aarohi Narain
The Ishioka Festival is a big deal: it’s known as one of the three great festivals of the Kantō region, and attracts half a million visitors from across the country and the world.
What happens?
The Ishioka Festival dates back centuries. It is the grand annual celebration of Hitachi-no-kuni Sōsha-gū Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, which enshrines all of the deities of the old Hitachi Province.
Over the course of three days, more than 50 ornate floats parade through the streets, joined by mikoshi (portable shrines), lion dances, and sacred rituals dedicated to the shrine’s deities. There are also votive sumo wrestling matches and plenty of yatai stalls for festival food.
Schedule
The festival typically takes place over three days in September. To be specific, it begins on the Saturday before Respect for the Aged Day (every third Monday in September).
Accordingly, in 2025, it is scheduled to take place from September 13 to 15.
The main celebration takes place on September 15, but it’s worth noting that these festivities involve solemn Shinto rituals and are more for community members and officials rather than spectators.
For visitors, the best time to join is from early afternoon on the first day, when the mikoshi is carried out of HHitachi-no-kuni Sōsha-gū Shrine in a two-hour procession through central Ishioka.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Hitachi and Tokiwa Limited Express (departs every hour). After about an hour, get off at Ishioka Station. The whole journey lasts about an hour.
The longer but cheaper option is to take the JR Jōban Line from Tokyo to Ueno, then switch to the local train bound for Katsuta. Again, get off at Ishioka Station. This route takes around an hour and 45 minutes.
The festivities take place near the station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
