Chubu · AichiFestival
Thirteen towering floats with mechanical puppets parade past Japan’s oldest castle as cherry blossoms peak.
Overview
The Inuyama Matsuri is a nearly 400-year-old float festival in the castle town of Inuyama, Aichi, dedicated to Haritsuna Shrine. Its 13 three-tiered floats (dashi) carry karakuri mechanical puppets that perform atop the towering structures, and at night each float is hung with hundreds of paper lanterns. Timed to the cherry-blossom season below Inuyama Castle, it is one of the most photogenic spring festivals in central Japan and part of a UNESCO-listed group of float festivals.
When & Where
The festival is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April; in 2026 that is 4–5 April. Floats gather at Haritsuna Shrine and parade through the old castle town from morning, with karakuri puppet performances during the day and the illuminated night procession in the evening. The setting is the streets below Inuyama Castle. Nearest station: Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu line.
Getting There
From Nagoya, take the Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama Station or Inuyama-yuen Station (about 25–30 minutes), then walk into the castle-town streets where the floats parade. The area is compact and walkable. Expect large crowds during blossom season; arrive early for the best positions and use an IC card for smooth train transfers.
What to Expect
By day, skilled operators work the karakuri puppets high on each float while teams haul the heavy dashi around tight corners. After dusk, every float glows with around 365 lanterns, drifting through streets lined with blossoming cherry trees. Food stalls and a festive crowd fill the town, and Inuyama Castle provides a striking backdrop.
Tickets & Access
Watching the parade is free and takes place in public streets. Some paid viewing seats may be arranged in advance by the organisers. There is a separate admission if you also wish to enter Inuyama Castle keep.
Tips for Visitors
Come for the daytime karakuri performances, then stay for the lantern-lit night floats, which are the highlight. Weekends in blossom season are busy, so arrive early. Combine the trip with Inuyama Castle and the nearby preserved Edo-period townscape.
Access and Map
| Dates | 4–5 April 2026 (first weekend of April) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Haritsuna Shrine and the castle town, Inuyama, Aichi |
| Access | Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama Station from Nagoya (~25–30 min) |
| Admission | Free to watch (castle entry separate) |
| Official site | Aichi Now (official Aichi tourism) |
Source: Aichi Now (official Aichi tourism)
Image: Photo: Bariston / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (license)
