The vibrant Tatemon Festival in Uozu, Toyama, is registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. It features spectacular lantern-lit floats, traditional music, and a community celebration of summer.
What happens?
From August 2 to August 4 and on August 7, 2024, the Tatemon Festival lights up Uozu with its iconic lantern-adorned floats parading through the streets. Tatemon are votive objects used to pray for safety and abundance at sea.
Witness the sight of young men in traditional happi coats pulling 16-meter high Tatemon floats, each adorned with 90 lanterns, from the Uozu coast to Suwa Shrine.
This 300-year-old festival, recognized by UNESCO as Japan’s intangible cultural heritage, celebrates maritime safety and bountiful catches. Highlights include taiko drum performances, local food stalls, and the grand finale of fireworks.
In addition to the traditional festivities, there will be a seaside jazz concert called UO!JAZZ. You can also expect to hear Serikomi Choroku, folk music found only in this part of Japan.
Schedule 2024
August 2
- 20:30: Large floats decorated with numerous lanterns will be pulled through Uozu during the Tatemon Parade (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage).
August 3
- 16:30: Join the seaside jazz festival, UO! JAZZ, and enjoy a super session of live jazz music complemented by a stunning sunset and fireworks by the sea.
- 18:30–21:30: The path to the Uozu Festival is illuminated by LED candles and lanterns, known as the Uozu Candle Road.
- 19:40–20:20: Enjoy the breathtaking fireworks display along the Uozu coast at the Seaside Fireworks Festival.
- 20:30: The Tatemon Parade continues with more spectacular floats lighting up the summer night, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Uozu.
August 4
- 18:00: Get a taste of local folk music and dance at the Serikomi Choroku Street Procession.
August 7
- 18:00–20:30: Celebrate the Keida Tanabata Festival in Uozu’s Keida district. The festival includes the burning of Tanabata decorations, the sound of bamboo bursting, and numerous floating lanterns offshore, culminating in another fireworks display.
How to get there
From Tokyo, you can take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station. The one way ride takes approximately two hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass. From there, take the Toyama Chiho Railway to Shin-Uozu Station. Alternatively, take a bus headed for Uozu Station. After a 20-minute walk, you’ll arrive at the festival location.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.