Written by Alexandra Ziminski
The Mifune Festival takes place on the Katsura River in Arashiyama on the third Sunday of May each year.
What happens?
The festival features traditional boats carrying musicians and performers floating down the river. The name of the festival translates as the “Three boat festival”. The three celebrated boats are the Gozabune (a boat for carrying nobles), a dragon head boat, and a Gekishufune (waterfowl neck boat).
The festival is an extension of the Kurumazaki Shrine Grand Festival and will be held even in the rain.
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How to get there
The festival will take place near Togetsukyō Bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It only takes around 15 minutes on the train from central Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then it’s around a 10-minute walk to the river.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
May 18–May 19, 2025
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2:00pm – 3:15pm
三船祭
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
Cancelled in event of rain
- 356 m from Arashiyama Station Arashiyama Line (A13)
- 0.6 km from Randen-Saga Station Arashiyama Line (A12)
- 0.8 km from Saga-Arashiyama Station Sagano Line (E8)
