Written by Aarohi
Watch 19 ornate two-story floats rolling through the streets to flutes, drums, and gongs. The Murakami Festival, held annually in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, was officially added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2025.
What happens?
Dating back to 1633, this is one of Niigata’s biggest traditional festivals. The main draw is the procession of 19 oshagiri floats, each belonging to a different merchant district and decorated with gold leaf, carved lacquerwork, and traditional ornaments.
On the main festival day, priests carrying mikoshi portable shrines set out from Senami Haguro Shrine, followed by the full line-up of floats. Local crews pull them through the old castle town while musicians play shagiri festival music on flutes, drums, and gongs. After dark, the floats glow with lantern light as they make their way back through the streets.
Schedule 2026
Murakami Taisai takes place over two days, July 6 and July 7.
On July 6, the floats are pulled through their own neighborhoods in a rehearsal-style parade.
On July 7, the main procession begins at around 8 a.m. from Senami Haguro Shrine, with the mikoshi and all 19 floats parading through town. After a midday break, the illuminated floats begin returning to their home districts from around 6:30 p.m.
How to get there
Murakami is in Niigata Prefecture, located to the north of Niigata City.
From Tokyo, take the Jōetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station.
Then, take the local JR Hakushin train or Limited Express Inaho from Niigata Station for a 75-minute or 48-minute journey, respectively, to Murakami Station. The main festivities take place about a 20-minute walk from the station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
