Kansai · MieFestival
More than a hundred masked demons and nine towering floats fill the castle town of Iga each autumn.
Overview
The Ueno Tenjin Matsuri is the largest festival of Iga, the historic castle town in western Mie known for its ninja heritage. Boasting over 400 years of history and inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, it centres on Ueno Tenjingu Shrine. Its trademark is an eerie yet playful procession of more than a hundred demons in comic-frightening masks, marching alongside grand wooden floats.
When & Where
In 2026 the festival runs October 23-25, with the main procession on Sunday, October 25. Events fill the streets of Iga’s castle town around Ueno Tenjingu Shrine. Nearest station: Uenoshi on the Iga Railway, a short walk from the shrine and the festival route.
Getting There
From Osaka or Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Iga-Kambe, then transfer to the Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station, close to the festival area. The novelty ninja-themed local trains are part of the fun. The castle town is compact and walkable once you arrive.
What to Expect
On the main day, the procession features Japan’s largest Shinto wand, said to weigh around 120 kilograms, a decorated portable shrine, nine lavishly ornamented floats, and the famous parade of masked demons weaving through the streets to music. The demon groups leave from one set of neighbourhoods and the floats from others, filling the old town with sound and spectacle.
Tickets & Access
The festival is free to watch from public streets. There is no general ticketing, though some vantage points along the route fill early on the main day. The historic centre is flat and walkable, and Iga’s castle and ninja museum make good daytime companions to the festival.
Tips for Visitors
Come on October 25 for the full procession of demons and floats. Arrive early to find a good street-side spot, and explore Iga Ueno Castle and the ninja museum while you are in town. Weekday visits during the run are quieter if you prefer smaller crowds.
Access and Map
| Dates | October 23-25, 2026 (main procession October 25) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Ueno Tenjingu Shrine and Iga castle town, Iga, Mie |
| Access | Iga Railway to Uenoshi Station via Kintetsu Iga-Kambe; walkable in the old town |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Ueno Tenjin Festival Official Website |
Source: Ueno Tenjin Festival Official Website
Image: Photo: Yasutaro（靖太郎） / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
