Kansai · HyogoFestival
Known as the “fighting festival,” this fierce autumn festival at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in Himeji sees teams in fundoshi loincloths deliberately ram three heavy portable shrines into one another.
Overview
At the Nada no Kenka Matsuri, battering the mikoshi together is believed to please the gods and bring good fortune, while ornately decorated yatai floats are jostled and paraded. It is one of the most physical and dramatic festivals in the Kansai region.
When and Where
The 2026 festival is held on October 14 and 15 at Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in the Shirahama area of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture.
Getting There
Take the Sanyo Electric Railway to Shirahama-no-miya Station, a few minutes’ walk from the shrine; it is about 15 minutes from Himeji Station on the Sanyo line.
What to Expect
On the first day, seven decorated yatai are brought to the shrine for ceremonies. The climax comes on October 15, when three teams crash the great mikoshi together again and again in a roaring, physical spectacle.
Tips for Visitors
The 15th is the main event and extremely crowded, so arrive early and keep well clear of the colliding mikoshi. It pairs naturally with a visit to nearby Himeji Castle.
Access and Map
| Dates (2026) | October 14–15 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Matsubara Hachiman Shrine, Shirahama, Himeji, Hyogo |
| Access | Sanyo Electric Railway to Shirahama-no-miya Station |
| Admission | Free (paid grandstand seats available) |
| Official site | Japan National Tourism Organization |
Source: Japan National Tourism Organization (official)
Image: Photo: Corpse Reviver / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
