Tohoku · AkitaFestival
Towering wooden floats charge and collide in the streets of a preserved samurai town in this UNESCO-listed autumn festival.
Overview
The Kakunodate Festival is a three-day autumn event in the old castle town of Kakunodate, famous for its preserved samurai district. Eighteen large wooden floats called hikiyama are hauled through the streets, and when two meet, right of way is settled by a dramatic pushing contest that can send the floats crashing together. Registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it pairs raw energy with centuries of tradition.
When & Where
The 2026 festival runs September 7 to 9 through the streets of Kakunodate in Semboku City, Akita. Daytime sees floats paraded past shrines and homes, while the float confrontations build into the evenings. Nearest station: JR Kakunodate Station.
Getting There
Kakunodate is a stop on the Akita Shinkansen, and the festival and samurai district are within walking distance of the station. It also makes an easy pairing with nearby Lake Tazawa for a longer stay in the area.
What to Expect
- Eighteen tall wooden hikiyama floats
- Dramatic float-on-float pushing contests when floats meet
- Taiko drummers, flute players and dancers riding the floats
- The black-walled samurai houses as a backdrop
- Lantern-lit processions after dark
Tickets & Access
The festival takes place on public streets and is free to watch. Arrive early near the main junctions for the best view of the float clashes.
Tips for Visitors
The most exciting confrontations happen where narrow streets meet, so ask locally or check the schedule for likely spots. Evenings can be cool in September, so bring a light jacket.
Access and Map
| Dates | September 7 to 9, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Streets of Kakunodate, Semboku City, Akita |
| Nearest station | JR Kakunodate Station |
| Access | Akita Shinkansen to Kakunodate; festival in the old town nearby |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Tazawako-Kakunodate Tourism Association |
Source: Tazawako-Kakunodate Tourism Association
Image: Photo: 掬茶 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
